Bring a little extra warmth to your holiday table with Margi Kyle’s Holiday Bloody Mary Chili. This hearty favorite combines ground beef and turkey, two kinds of beans, and a spicy Bloody Mary kick for a bowl that invites second helpings.
Inspired by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, Margi’s version is leaner, spicier, and made for sharing. Even better for busy holiday hosts: you can prepare it a day ahead.
Serves: 6–8
Simmer time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon black garlic powder from Savory Spice Shop
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1½ pounds ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground oregano
- 15 ounces spicy Bloody Mary mix, plus more as needed
- ¼ cup vodka, optional — Margi sometimes substitutes wine
- 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
- Several dashes Tabasco, to taste
- Several dashes Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Let’s Get Cooking
- Sauté the vegetables. Heat a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and cook until softened. Stir in the chopped garlic.
- Brown the meat. Add the ground beef and turkey. Cook, breaking up the meat, until cooked through. Drain excess fat, then stir in the black garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Add the Bloody Mary twist. In a pitcher, combine the Bloody Mary mix, optional vodka or wine, Montreal steak seasoning, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour into the pot.
- Simmer and enjoy. Stir in the kidney and pinto beans. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add more Bloody Mary mix or water as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve a steaming bowl on its own or pair it with a crisp green salad. For a festive gathering, offer sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions so guests can add their favorite finishing touches.
Margi’s Make-Ahead Tip
“Make it a day ahead for the holidays—it reheats beautifully and freezes well, too!”
Recipe adapted by Margi Kyle, inspired by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman.
Photos by Margi Kyle.
