Gather flour, salt, butter or shortening, cold water, eggs, ground beef or other filling, onion, garlic, spices, and oil
Mix flour and salt in a bowl
Cut in butter or shortening until the mixture looks crumbly
Add cold water gradually and mix until a dough forms
Knead the dough briefly until smooth
Cover the dough and let it rest
Cook the filling ingredients in a skillet until fully done
Let the filling cool
Roll out the dough on a floured surface
Cut the dough into circles
Place filling in the center of each circle
Fold the dough over the filling
Seal the edges by pressing with a fork or crimping by hand
Brush with egg wash if desired
Bake in a preheated oven or fry in hot oil until golden brown
Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving