Description
This Bloody Mary Chili combines the zesty, tangy flavors of the classic brunch cocktail with the hearty comfort of chili. Packed with tomato juice, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and ground beef, this bold, boozy-inspired recipe is perfect for fall gatherings, chili cook-offs, or Halloween dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (Tabasco or Frank’s)
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green olives (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Chopped parsley or celery leaves, for garnish
- Optional add-ins: pickle juice, extra hot sauce, or chopped pickles
Instructions
- Brown beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onion and cook 5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more.
- Build base: Stir in tomato juice, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire, hot sauce, horseradish, celery salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors deepen.
- Finish: Stir in lime juice and olives (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or salt.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or celery leaves and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Start with less hot sauce and adjust to taste.
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor balance.
- This chili is bean-free but beans can be added if preferred.
- Chili gets better as it sits—make it ahead for deeper flavor.
- Optional vodka splash can enhance the Bloody Mary theme, but it’s not required.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Chili Recipes
- Method: Stovetop, Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Bloody Mary Chili, Chili Cook Off Recipes, Fall Chili Recipes, Unusual Chili Recipes, Best Chili Toppings, Chili Variations, Spooky Halloween Chili