Bacon Cheeseburger Bites

I've been trying lots of new recipes thanks to Pinterest.  Most of them have been very easy and simple, using ingredients I already have in the house...which is so nice.  The latest one I tried was these yummy and delicious bacon Cheeseburger bites.  Brendan gave it a raving review...even added to his prayer that he was thankful that I was so creative with our meals lately.    I hope you try them and let me know what you think.

photo credits : Taste of Home

Note:  the recipe includes making a dough, I cheated and just rolled out some Grand Biscuits, it worked really good and way more easy.  I only made eight because that's all the biscuits I had, so I have leftover meat mixture for a second (maybe even a third) meal.

Bacon Cheeseburger Bites

Ingredients

• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 2/3 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 2/3 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 
  FILLING:
• 1 pound sliced bacon, diced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
• 3 to 4 tablespoons butter, melted  ( I didn't use)
• 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 cups 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 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.
• Place 2 in. 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. Yield: 2 dozen.  
• Weight Watchers PP+ 8 per bite (if made according to recipe)