I make chili for work once a quarter or so. I make two batches, one Vegan, one Fantastic (ok kidding)

Yes, you can use just about any meat substitute they are all fantastic. Slices of seitan, TVP, Small chunks of drained and pressed low moisture tofu, morning star sausage. The spices destroy any of the finer flavors, so you’re just in it for the texture you really can’t go wrong because the only no-no is gristle.

Before the meat alternatives got decent in the past few years, I always just made both batches with beans.