Cheeseburger Buns

Cheeseburger Buns

4 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1 egg
1 tsp salt
3 1/2 to 4 cups flour
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (only 1 pound if it is 90% or more lean)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
8 slices American cheese, quartered

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, shortening, egg, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic, about 4 -6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
In a skillet, cook beef and onions until meat is no longer pink. Drain. Stir in tomato sauce. Remove from heat and set aside. Punch dough down; divide into 16 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out each piece into a 5-in. circle. Top each circle with 2 pieces of cheese and about 3 T of beef mixture. Bring dough over filling to center; pinch edges to seal.
Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place, until double. About 20 minutes. Bake at 400 F for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately. Makes 16 buns.
****For freezing, place in the freezer after filling the circles. Thaw on the counter, covered with saran wrap, for 4-5 hours. Bake on 375 for 10 – 12 minutes****