The ingredients used are common in Mexican cuisine, although ingredients unknown in Mexico are often added. Tex-Mex cuisine is characterized by its heavy use of meat (particularly beef), beans, and spices. Nachos, crispy tacos, crispy chalupas, chili con queso, chili con carne, flour tortillass, chili gravy, fajitas and pecan pralines are all Tex-Mex inventions. Serving tortilla chips and a hot sauce or salsa as an appetizer is also an original Tex-Mex combination.
For an excellent example of a traditional recipe adapted with a Tex-Mex flair, see Crab Quesadillas with Mango Salsa.