1. Begin by boiling 2 1/2 cups water in the microwave. Meanwhile, saute onion, garlic, chilies (if using), and chili powder in a large sauce pan. Once water is boiling, pour over textured soy protein and dehydrated "ground beef" in a separate bowl. Let stand 5 minutes.
2. While this mixture is hydrating, begin opening all cans and dumping into sauce pan. Add the vinegar and an additional 1/2 cup of water to this in the large sauce pan.
3. Fluff up the now-hydrated textured soy protein and "ground beef," and stir into the large sauce pan. (Don't worry if they're not hydrated all the way, they will absorb the chili liquid). Heat mixture to boiling.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately.
(Note: I used two different types of dehydrated "beef" substitute because of the coloring. You can use whatever you like. Also, don't worry if the chili burns a bit on the bottom of the saucepan. If you scrap this burnt stuff up and into the chili, it will impart a nice, smoky flavor.)