By Erica Watson, Nov 08, 2008

Hey! I know that there are a couple of companies that have crumblers....kinda of like imitation ground beef....that can be used for chilli....

These Ground Crumblers by Boca Burger are pretty tasty! Godd luckwww.bocaburger.com/p...

By Julie Elaine Brown, M.A., Nov 30, 2008

It takes on whatever flavor you cook it with and can be pretty yummy.

I second the vote for mushrooms, especially portobellas as they have a meaty texture. But adding lots of cheese works well, too!

By Jamie K, Apr 05, 2009

Meat substitutes are probably safe to eat once in a blue moon, but you should be careful not to consume these "fake meats" on a regular basis. They are highly overprocessed, and many of them contain genetically modified soy and wheat gluten, which are common allergens.

By Carolyn Schlicher, Apr 23, 2009

I don't know if it's too late, either. I make mine with beans. If I'm not adding additional meat, I mash them up just a little so they're the size of little cooked ground beef bits. The texture is comparable if the beans have been cooked to just before they split.

I prefer red beans, but last week I used kidney beans. I've used pinto, too. I basically look for something bland that will absorb the tomato, spice, and cheese flavors as it cooks.

Has anyone used lentils? I'd like to know how that turned out.

By Deidre, May 15, 2009

I understand all the concerns about processed meat substitutes, but I think in moderation they aren't the worst thing in the world, particularly if you're trying to please an omnivorous audience.

I like the Lightline brand because they are GMO-free. (They make the Gimme Lean sausage someone else recommended, which is awesome.) I also concur with the recommendation for TVP (textured vegetable protein). It's far less processed than the imitation meats on the market, though as a result it has less taste. You rehydrate it with water, then I will stir fry it up with some zesty seasoning (I like Emeril's southwest seasoning) to give it flavor. Makes great veggie nachos and works well in sauces too.

By Karyn Polewaczyk, Jun 23, 2009

I love both TJ's soy chorizo and the Gimme Lean ground sausage roll. I try to limit my soy in general, since too much of it can raise estrogen (even organic soy - it has more to do with the elements of the vegetable than anything else). But, I do know that my mom adds in all sorts of stuff to bulk up her meals: sauteed spinach, mushrooms (three cheers for those bad boys), carmelized onions and herbs. I'm a huge polenta addict; you could also try homemade pesto that's heavy on pinenuts for added texture.