We all love to indulge in our favorite foods, even if they're not the healthiest options. Whether it's a slice of decadent pizza or a juicy burger loaded with toppings, cheat meals can be a satisfying way to break up a strict diet and treat yourself to something delicious.
As someone who loves to experiment with different cuisines and flavors, I've had my fair share of cheat meals over the years, and I've narrowed down my top five favorites to share with you. From savory steaks to cheesy enchiladas, these meals are sure to make your taste buds dance with delight. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about my favorite cheat meals that will leave you craving more.
Steak and Baked Potato
If you're looking for a hearty and indulgent meal that's sure to satisfy, look no further than a juicy steak and a perfectly baked potato. There's something about sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked piece of meat that just can't be beaten, and when you pair it with a warm, fluffy potato loaded with all of your favorite toppings, it's pure heaven on a plate.
When it comes to steak, I'm a big fan of ribeye or New York strip cuts, cooked to a perfect medium rare so that the meat is tender and juicy with just the right amount of pink in the center. I like to season my steak with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and then cook it in a cast-iron skillet on high heat to get a nice sear on the outside. For the baked potato, I like to wrap it in foil and bake it in the oven for about an hour, until the skin is crispy and the inside is soft and fluffy.
As for toppings, the options are endless! Some of my favorite ways to enjoy a baked potato include loading it up with butter, sour cream, chives, and crispy bacon bits, or smothering it in a hearty chili and cheese sauce. And of course, there's always the classic steakhouse combo of a perfectly cooked steak and a baked potato with all the fixings.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, a steak and baked potato is the ultimate comfort food that's sure to hit the spot on a chilly night or after a long day at work.
Smothered Burritos
If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you're probably no stranger to the deliciousness of smothered burritos. These hearty and flavorful dishes are a popular choice at Mexican restaurants across the country, and for good reason - they're packed with all of your favorite ingredients and smothered in a rich and savory sauce that takes them to the next level.
So, what exactly makes a burrito "smothered?" Essentially, it's all in the sauce. A smothered burrito is a traditional burrito that has been smothered in a sauce made from tomatoes, chili peppers, and a blend of spices. This gives the dish a rich and spicy flavor that perfectly complements the hearty ingredients inside.
When it comes to making smothered burritos at home, the possibilities are endless. Some of my favorite fillings include tender pulled pork, seasoned ground beef, or spicy chicken, mixed with rice, beans, and plenty of cheese. I like to wrap my filling in a large flour tortilla and then pour a generous amount of the tomato-based sauce over the top before baking in the oven.
Of course, no smothered burrito would be complete without a few key toppings. I like to add a dollop of sour cream, some sliced avocado, and a handful of chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor. And if you're feeling extra indulgent, you can even add a few slices of crispy bacon or crumbled chorizo for a smoky, savory kick.
Whether you enjoy them at your favorite Mexican restaurant or make them at home, smothered burritos are a must-try cheat meal for any Mexican food lover.
Deep-Dish Pizza
Pizza is one of the most beloved cheat meals around the world, and for good reason. There's something about the combination of savory tomato sauce, melted cheese, and crispy crust that's simply irresistible. But if you really want to take your pizza game to the next level, there's no better way to do it than with a deep-dish pizza.
Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago-style classic that's become a favorite among pizza lovers everywhere. It's characterized by its thick, buttery crust that's piled high with all of your favorite toppings, from savory sausage and pepperoni to fresh veggies and gooey cheese.
When it comes to making a deep-dish pizza at home, it all starts with the crust. I like to use a recipe that calls for a blend of flour, cornmeal, and butter, which gives the crust a crispy, flaky texture and a rich, buttery flavor. Then, I layer on all of my favorite toppings - I'm a big fan of pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, and plenty of mozzarella cheese.
Of course, no deep-dish pizza would be complete without a thick layer of tangy tomato sauce. I like to make my sauce from scratch using canned San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices. Once everything is piled high on the crust, it's time to pop it in the oven and let it bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food that's sure to satisfy even the most insatiable pizza cravings, then a deep-dish pizza is the way to go. So, grab a slice (or two) and dig in - you won't regret it!
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that have been enjoyed for centuries, and for good reason. These flavorful and hearty dishes are a staple in Mexican cuisine and come in a variety of styles and flavors. From cheesy, chicken-filled enchiladas suizas to spicy, beef-filled enchiladas rojas, there's an enchilada out there for everyone.
What makes enchiladas so unique and delicious is the way they're prepared. They're made by filling a soft corn tortilla with a mixture of seasoned meat or beans and cheese, then rolling it up and smothering it in a rich and savory sauce. The enchiladas are then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is perfectly absorbed into the tortillas.
One of the most popular types of enchiladas is the enchiladas verdes. These enchiladas are filled with tender, shredded chicken and smothered in a tangy, green sauce made from tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro. The sauce is bursting with flavor and pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and gooey cheese.
For those who prefer a spicier kick to their enchiladas, enchiladas rojas are a must-try. These enchiladas are filled with seasoned beef and smothered in a spicy, red sauce made from dried chilies and spices. The sauce is thick and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to the tender, flavorful beef.
No matter what kind of enchiladas you prefer, one thing is for sure - these classic Mexican dishes are the ultimate comfort food. They're hearty, flavorful, and sure to satisfy even the most ravenous appetite. So next time you're in the mood for a delicious cheat meal, whip up a batch of enchiladas and enjoy all the spicy, savory goodness.
Gourmet Hamburgers
Hamburgers are an American classic, but when it comes to cheat meals, nothing beats a juicy, flavorful, gourmet burger. From the perfectly seasoned beef patty to the delicious toppings and sauces, every element of a gourmet burger is designed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
One of the keys to a great gourmet burger is the meat. It's important to choose high-quality, fresh beef that's been ground just before cooking. I like to use a blend of ground sirloin and chuck, which gives the burger a juicy, flavorful taste and a perfect texture. The patty is then seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices before being cooked to perfection on the grill or in a cast-iron skillet.
Next, it's time to add the toppings. Gourmet burgers often feature an array of flavorful and creative toppings that take them to the next level. From crispy bacon and gooey cheese to caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms, there are endless options to choose from. I love to add some fresh avocado, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato slices to my burger for a burst of freshness and texture.
Of course, no gourmet burger would be complete without a delicious sauce to tie everything together. Whether you prefer a classic ketchup and mustard combo or a spicy aioli or tangy barbecue sauce, the sauce can make all the difference. One of my favorite sauces to add to my gourmet burger is a creamy, garlicky herb sauce that's made with a blend of mayonnaise, fresh herbs, and garlic.
When it comes to gourmet burgers, the possibilities are endless. You can mix and match different meats, toppings, and sauces to create a burger that's truly unique and delicious. So, the next time you're in the mood for a cheat meal, why not indulge in a mouthwatering, gourmet burger? Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks, my top five favorite cheat meals! Whether you're in the mood for a juicy steak, a smothered burrito, a deep-dish pizza, enchiladas, or a gourmet burger, there's no denying the pure joy and indulgence that comes with a cheat meal.
Indulging in your favorite foods every once in a while is a great way to satisfy your cravings, reduce stress, and bring a little joy into your life. And with these five delicious cheat meals, you can't go wrong.
So go ahead, treat yourself to a cheat meal and enjoy every delicious bite. And remember, life is all about balance. As long as you're making healthy choices most of the time, it's okay to indulge in a little bit of decadence every now and then. Thank you for reading, and happy eating!
