09/21/2026
Bloody Mary Chili Mac
Yes, that’s Clamato. No, I’m not calling it a Caesar. 😂 This started as a “throw something together in the Instant Pot” situation and turned out way too good. Smoky bacon, beef, tomato, Clamato and Parmesan all cooked together with pasta. Comfort food with a little Bloody Mary attitude.
Ingredients
1 lb thick-cut bacon
1 lb ground beef
1 medium to large onion, chopped
2 tbsp chopped garlic
1 pint (16 oz) tomato sauce
16 oz Clamato
1½ cups beef broth
1½ tsp Better Than Bouillon Beef Base + 1½ cups water, if making your own broth
⅛ cup Worcestershire sauce
1 lb casarecce pasta
½ cup grated Parmesan
Seasonings
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika, smoked if you have it
Salt, only if needed
Directions
Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add the bacon, ground beef and onion and cook until the beef is browned and the bacon is cooked and starting to crisp. Break the bacon into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add the garlic and cook briefly. If your tomato sauce is already heavy on the garlic like mine was, you can skip it.
Add the tomato sauce, Clamato, beef broth, Worcestershire and seasonings.
Add the dry casarecce and gently press it down until it’s just barely covered by the liquid.
Seal and pressure cook on HIGH for 4 minutes, then immediately quick release.
Stir well and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Stir in ½ cup Parmesan while it’s hot.
Taste before adding any salt. Between the bacon, Clamato, Worcestershire, bouillon and Parmesan, mine didn’t need any.
And yes, I know somebody is already typing, “THAT’S A CAESAR.” 😂
