Soft yeast dough filled with seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese, shaped into individual buns and baked until golden.
Servings 16servings
Ingredients
Dough
2Tablespoonactive dry yeast
1/2cupwarm water
3/4 cupwarm milk
1/4cupshortening or softened butter
1wholeegg
1teaspoonsalt
3-1/2-4cupsall-purpose flour
Filling
1-1/2poundground beef or ground turkey
1/2mediumoniondiced
18oz. cantomato sauce (or use sloppy joe sauce)
8slicescheeseamerican or cheddar
Instructions
Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.Stir in warm milk and let sit until foamy.Add shortening, egg, salt, and 2 cups flour. Mix until smooth.Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.Knead for 6 minutes, until smooth and elastic.Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 30–60 minutes.
Prepare the Filling
In a skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion. Season with salt and pepper.Stir in tomato sauce and warm through. Set aside.
Assemble the Bunwich
Punch down dough and divide into 16 equal pieces.Roll each piece into a 5-inch circle on a lightly greased surface.Spoon 3–4 tablespoons of meat mixture into the center.Top with 2 cheese pieces.Pull dough edges up and pinch to seal, forming a bun.Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet.Cover and let rise until doubled.Preheat oven to 400°F.Bake for 8–12 minutes, until golden brown.Optional: Brush tops with melted butter. Serve warm.
Notes
These freeze well after baking; reheat in the oven for best texture.Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef.For extra flavor, shredded cheddar or Colby Jack can replace American cheese.Smaller portions can be made for sliders or party servings.Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight after the first rise.These are also great with hotdogs.