Bacon Cheeseburger Buns

(Courtesy of Taste of Home)

Ingredients:
2 pkgs. (1/4 oz. each) active dry yeast
2/3 c. warm water (110-115 degrees)
2/3 c. warm milk (110-115 degrees)
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. shortening
2 eggs
2 tsp. salt
4 1/2-5 c. all-purpose flour
FILLING:
1 lb. sliced bacon
2 lbs. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 lb. velveeta, cubed
3-4 Tbsp. butter, melted
Ketchup or barbecue sauce, optional

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

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.

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. 

Punch dough down.  Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into fourths.  Roll each portion into an 12x8 inch rectangle; cut each into 6 squares.  Place 1/4 c. meat mixture in the center of each square.  Bring corners together in the center and pinch to seal.

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