Q: "What should we make for dinner on the camping trip?"
A: "Let's do something French."
These words are rarely spoken. Most American campfire meals revolve around foil-wrapped stews and anything you can put on a stick. From its origins in the humble farm kitchens of France to the tables of Michelin-rated restaurants around the world, our Coq Au Vin-inspired dish is guaranteed to impress everyone around the fire!
When most people think of camping meals, they think hot dogs, trail mix, and dehydrated meals.Before induction ovens or “Rooster in wine” started as farm food, not white-tablecloth food. Coq au vin was a way to turn a tough old bird and everyday wine into something tender, sticky, and deeply flavored—slowly braised with onions, mushrooms, and a little pork for good measure. The legend traces it back to rural France, with written recipes showing up in the early 1900s, and Julia Child later turning it into the French comfort dish on American TV.
Campground Coq Au Vin keeps that DNA but trades the restaurant kitchen for a campfire and a Dutch oven. You’ll brown bacon and chicken in one pot, soften carrots and onions in the drippings, then drown everything in red wine and stock for a slow, gentle simmer. Mushrooms and pearl onions join at the end, and a quick flour-and-fat paste thickens the sauce into something you’ll want to spoon over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or just hunks of crusty bread.
Camping doesn't have to mean
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Whether you're taking this to the campground or into the backcountry, do some prep work at home to speed up the process when it's mealtime!
DO NOT EAT THE FRITOS! For some number of you, this is going to be the most challenging part of this recipe. Save them until the end
Add 10 oz of water to your pot and bring to a boil.
*Andrew recommends 12 oz of water if you want a soupier consistency. I'll do this on colder days... drinking every last drop to stay warm and hydrated
Add beans, rice, taco seasoning, and other spices.
Stir regularly to avoid burning or boil-over. Cook for approximately 60 seconds or until beans & rice have cooked through. Remove from heat.
Add cheese to the pot. Stir cheese into beans & rice.
When you're ready to eat, add the Fritos. They will start to soften and lose their crunch if you let them sit too long.