Slow Cooker Bloody Mary Chili – A Flavor-Packed, Hearty Chili with a Zesty Kick

Slow Cooker Bloody Mary Chili brings together the bold, zesty flavors of a Bloody Mary cocktail with the hearty, comforting goodness of chili. This delicious and unexpected twist on a classic chili recipe will wow your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for something both comforting and exciting. Packed with savory beef, beans, and just the right amount of spice, this chili is perfect for game day, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Slow Cooker Bloody Mary Chili

If you’re a fan of both chili and Bloody Marys, why not combine the two? The Bloody Mary mix brings a bright, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the beef and beans. The tomato base of the Bloody Mary mix adds depth, while the Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, and spices give this chili a unique zing. Cooking it low and slow in a crockpot allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, making every spoonful a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Bloody Mary Chili

This chili is not your average recipe. It takes the robust flavors of a Bloody Mary and infuses them into a hearty beef chili. The addition of Bloody Mary mix provides a zesty kick without being overpowering, while Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth of flavor. The combination of kidney beans and cannellini beans ensures that every bite is full of protein and texture, and the long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to develop beautifully. Whether you serve it with your favorite chili toppings or on its own, this chili is bound to become a go-to in your meal rotation.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 470 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 1140mg
• Fiber: 10g

Slow Cooker Bloody Mary Chili is perfect for satisfying a hungry crowd and can easily be paired with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. For a classic chili experience, serve it with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños. For a fresh twist, add diced avocado or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. If you’re in the mood for something crunchy, pair it with tortilla chips or cornbread muffins. A side of tangy coleslaw or a crisp green salad would also be a great complement to the rich, flavorful chili. Don’t forget to serve it with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing iced tea to balance the spicy flavors.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Slow Cooker Bloody Mary Chili stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave or heat the entire pot on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze this chili for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Fun Fact: The Origins of the Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary cocktail is said to have been created in the 1920s by bartender Fernand Petiot, who worked at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Over the years, the drink became known for its savory, spicy flavor and was often enjoyed as a brunch cocktail. The combination of tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, and spices makes for a bold and unique drink, which has now inspired countless variations—including this chili!

Cooking Tips

1. Choose the Right Bloody Mary Mix: For the best flavor, use a high-quality Bloody Mary mix with plenty of seasoning and spices. This will add depth and complexity to your chili.
2. Brown the Beef for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This process caramelizes the meat, creating a richer, more flavorful base for your chili.
3. Control the Spice: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the jalapeños. For more heat, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste.

Optional Variations

1. Add Bacon: For a smoky, savory twist, cook some chopped bacon and add it to the chili before serving. The crispy bacon bits will add both texture and flavor.
2. Make It Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra beans and vegetables to make this chili vegetarian-friendly. The Bloody Mary mix and spices will still provide plenty of flavor.
3. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You’ll still get all the flavor without the extra fat.

Slow Cooker Bloody Mary Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste concentrate
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 3 cups Bloody Mary mix
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15.5 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15.5 oz) can navy or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions:

1. Cook the beef and onion: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain off excess grease.
2. Season and simmer: Add the tomato paste, garlic, chili powder, celery salt, salt, pepper, and cumin to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
3. Add the Bloody Mary mix: Stir in the Bloody Mary mix, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Transfer to the slow cooker: Pour the contents of the skillet into a slow cooker. Add the drained kidney beans and navy beans, and stir to combine.
5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the flavors are well blended and the chili is thickened to your liking.
6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or jalapeños.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Bloody Mary Chili is a flavor-packed, hearty dish that brings a unique twist to traditional chili. With the zesty kick of Bloody Mary mix and the deep, savory flavors from Worcestershire sauce and spices, this chili is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a party, for a family dinner, or on game day, this chili is sure to impress!