In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This is your Sloppy Joe Mix.

Store any unused Sloppy Joe Mix in an airtight container for future use. It can last for several months.📌

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion (if using). Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

For a leaner dish, use lean ground beef or ground turkey. If you don't have fresh onion, you can omit it or use a pinch of onion powder from your mix.📌

Stir in the tomato sauce and 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared Sloppy Joe Mix. Add 1/2 cup of water if the mixture seems too thick. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Adjust the amount of Sloppy Joe Mix based on your preference for flavor intensity. For a sweeter sauce, add a pinch more brown sugar; for more tang, a splash of apple cider vinegar can be added.📌