Southwest Skillet Supreme

My husband doesn't realize it yet, but he's getting ready to make me one of those cool light boxes for taking pictures of my food. Since the time change it's dark at suppertime and I have no natural light to take half-way decent pictures. Let's go ahead and throw this out in the open... I'm no photographer, although I try. I've gotten comments telling me the food would look much better if there wasn't crumbs on the plate, but I like those little crumbs sometimes. It gives the picture character! With that said, look at my poor, pathetic looking skillet meal. I hate even posting it. Although it doesn't look like much, let me assure you this is a VERY yummy dish. It's a really great, quick weeknight meal. The leftovers freeze and reheat well making it a winner. Enjoy :)

SOUTHWEST SKILLET SUPREME
2 pounds ground beef
1-1/2 cups chopped onion
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp chili powder
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, undrained
1 can (11-ounce) Mexican-style kernel corn, drained
3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 can (2-1/2 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/3 cup sour cream

In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion until the beef is browned and onion is tender; drain. Stir in next seven ingredients; simmer 15 minutes. Leave in skillet or spoon into a shallow serving dish; sprinkle with cheese and circle with tortilla chips. Garnish with lettuce, tomato, olives and sour cream. Yield: 8-10 servings.

Comments

Stephanie said…
I have that same lighting problem, especially since we use energy-efficient turn-everything-yellow lightbulbs. But some foods are so delicious that you have to post them, even if the picture did turn out less than post-worthy. This looks like something that tastes super delicious!
Melody said…
I love this kind of dinner. And so do my kids. I can empathize about the the light problem. It seems like the only time I take pictures is a night. it is very hard to get good pictures!
You have such great recipes and I really like you're blog header! Going to try the mousse recipe!

Happy SITS day!
sabriena said…
People actually tell you that your pictures would look better without crumbs in it? Wow, picky picky. I think your pictures look great and edible.

To be honest, if the pictures on food blogs aren't good looking I don't subscribe to them and I'm subscribe to yours so those people are jerks. Keep doing what you're doing :P

I'd love to have a light box made but I kinda stopped baking :( I need to start again!
Nonnas News said…
This sounds very good and easy! Will be trying it out soon! Thanks for entering my giveaway!
Willoughby said…
I can't believe you get comments about crumbs on the plate! Was the commenter a professional food stylist? Jeez!! I can never get good pictures of food unless I take them in the sunlight.

The recipe sounds delicious! And I think it looks good, too!
teresa said…
i think your pics are just fine! and this looks wonderful!
Tina Butler said…
I am having that problem as well Heidi. It is getting darker outside so my outside photos are getting limited. Natural lighting is the best. Crumbs that is kind of petty like you said we are not professional photogs. Do you have directions for a light box??? I need to have dh make me one really bad. You pics are fine. Mine are way better than when i first started so i cant complain. Happy Thanksgiving and if you have directiosn for the light box can you pass them my way.
Ingrid_3Bs said…
I have a light box that my honey made me but I hardly ever use it. The kids use it to play hide and seek. I just use my Lowell Ego light and a reflector.

You know, I don't think your photo was bad. I think it was fine. I'm sorry that people have been unkind in their comments. Like you I think the crumbs can add character to the photo.
~ingrid
Chicago Mom said…
I love southwest style foods!
Donna-FFW said…
I love this quick weeknight meal..

Dont listen to others negative comments. Your photos are lovely as is your blog.
Lara said…
I love your blog AND your photographs! This recipe looks delicious!
Anonymous said…
My Two Cents. I, at times, add crumbs to a picture to give it reality. Keep those crumbs coming.

Your photo is just fine.

I am sure people mean well but they may not realize that they can inhibit your confidence in posting photos.

You post your food and don't worry about it. We are not all professionals. We can only try to get better, as we go alone.

Done venting. Love this recipe.
Katy ~ said…
Heidi, this meal looks and sounds delicious! Big YUM!

And boo hiss on anyone who criticizes your pictures. I'm offended for you.