Cheeseburger Buns ~ by Valerie



 

This is a pretty simple main meal, but delicious!  The homemade buns are really soft, and the meat is juicy and flavorful.  (We do add some extras to the onion/beef/tomato sauce mixture . . . . like a bit of ketchup, McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning, and/or any other appropriate spices! ;-)   These also make for an easy meal to take to a family in need, or for fellowship gatherings, etc.


2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees)
3/4 cup warm milk (110 to 115 degrees)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 can (8 ounce) tomato sauce
8 slices American Cheese, quartered

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, shortening, egg, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in tomato sauce. Remove from the heat; set aside.
4. Punch dough down; divide into 16 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out and stretch each piece into a 5-in. circle. Top each circle with two pieces of cheese and about 3 tablespoons beef mixture. Bring dough over filling to center; pinch edges to seal.
5. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes. Bake at 400° for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 16 sandwiches.

Source: Taste of Home's Mom's Best Meals cookbook, 2005.