Bacon Cheeseburger Buns

• (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast↗2 packages
• cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees)2⁄3 cup
• cup milk, warm (110 to 115 degrees)↗2⁄3 cup
• cup sugar↗1⁄4 cup
• cup shortening↗1⁄4 cup
• eggs↗2
• teaspoons salt↗2 teaspoons
• cups all-purpose flour↗4 1⁄2 - 5 cups
• FILLING
• lb sliced bacon, diced1 lb
• lbs beef, ground↗2 lbs
• small onion, chopped↗1
• teaspoons salt↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• teaspoon pepper↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• lb process cheese, cubed (Velveeta)↗1 lb
• tablespoons butter, melted↗3 -4
• ketchup (optional) or barbecue sauce (optional)↗

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt and 3-1/2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

2. 2

   Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels. In a Dutch oven, cook the beef, onion, salt and pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add bacon and cheese; cook and stir until cheese is melted. Remove from the heat.

4. 4

   Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into fourths. Roll each portion into an 12-in. x 8-in. rectangle; cut each into six squares. Place 1/4 cup meat mixture in the center of each square. Bring corners together in the center and pinch to seal.

5. 5

   Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 9-11 minutes or until lightly browned. Brush with butter. Serve warm with ketchup if desired.