Top 5 Delicious Dishes Our Food Writers Can’t Stop Raving About This Week!

At Xelas by El Sazon in Stillwater, you can find a unique twist on a classic Mexican dish. Their tetela de birria features delicious masa pockets filled with tender, stewed meat and cheese. It’s topped with a rich guajillo tomato sauce and fresh greens, making it a feast for the senses. This dish not only looks good but tastes fantastic, bringing a comforting touch to your meal.

The story of El Sazon Tacos & More began at a gas station in Eagan, where chef Cristian de Leon wowed customers with his melt-in-your-mouth birria. This flavorful braised beef quickly became the star ingredient in tacos, ramen, and even pizza. As the family business grew, they opened El Sazon Cocina & Tragos in Minneapolis, bringing more birria goodness to the table.

Now, with the opening of Xelas by El Sazon, the de Leon family is showcasing the flavors of Guatemala. Naturally, birria made its way onto the menu, but in a fresh, new form. The tetela de birria ($16.64) is an eye-catching take on Oaxacan tetelas, which are traditionally filled with beans or cheese. Here, they are filled with that comforting, slow-stewed meat and melted cheese, all nestled in a beautifully crafted masa envelope.

The presentation is impressive. The masa has a unique design that draws you in, while the dish is garnished with dollops of guajillo tomato sauce and a fresh salad. On the side, you’ll find chirmol, a chunky Guatemalan salsa, and a bowl of the beef’s rich braising liquid, which is thick and savory.

“This dish pays homage to our roots,” says Karen de Leon, co-owner of Xelas. “Birria is how El Sazon started back in the gas station, now bringing those cherished flavors to Stillwater.”

This blend of traditions and flavors truly reflects the family’s journey in the food industry. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy unique and comforting dishes, Xelas by El Sazon is definitely worth a visit.