These cheeseburger buns have been a staple in our home for years—easy to make, deeply satisfying, and always a hit wherever they’re served. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a road trip snack, or a picnic lunch out in the sunshine, these savory hand-held buns bring comfort and flavor in every bite. Tender, rich yeast dough—made with milk, butter, and an egg—wraps around a hearty filling of seasoned ground meat (we love beef or lamb), a hint of ketchup, and a melty slice of cheese. I often bake a big batch and freeze them for busy days when a quick, homemade meal is just what we need. These buns are simple, nostalgic, and just downright delicious.
Cheeseburger Buns
Soft, homemade buns filled with seasoned ground meat, melted cheese, and just a touch of ketchup. Perfect for freezing, road trips, or an easy family meal.
Servings 16
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 Tbs yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water 95 degrees
- 3/4 cup warm milk 95 degrees
- 1/4 cup sugar or honey
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour I use unbleached white flour and whole wheat flour
Meat filling
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef lamb or pork
- 1 Tbs dried onion flakes
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 8 slices cheddar cheese cut in half
Instructions
Making the dough
- Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add warm milk, sugar or honey, softened butter, egg, salt and 2 cups flour. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand, mix until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to from a soft dough. Knead 4-6 minutes. Let rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.
Cooking meat filling
- In a large skillet, brown ground meat, and onion flakes on medium heat until cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in ketchup and salt and pepper to taste.
- Punch down dough, divide into 16 pieces. Gently roll out into a 5-6" circle.
- Top each circle with 1/4 cup meat mixture and 1/2 slice of cheese.
- Gather the dough to the center, pinch edges to seal.
- Place seam side down on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise about 20 minutes.
- Bake in a 400 degree oven for 8-12 minutes. You are looking for a golden brown top to the bun.
- Enjoy warm from the oven or cool and freeze for enjoying later.
