My Sloppy Joe Sandwich is less sweet than the canned sauce. It is savory with the right amount of sweetness. It holds together, which kind of defeats the "sloppy" purpose but makes a hell of an adult meal.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add onion and salt and stir until coated with oil. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 10 minutes (if onion begins to burn after 5 minutes, reduce heat to low).
Add garlic and chili powder and cook, uncovered, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add beef and cook, breaking up meat with wooden spoon, until just pink, about 3 minutes.
Add 1/4 teaspoon pepper, brown sugar, tomato puree, ketchup, water, and hot sauce. Simmer until Sloppy Joe sauce is slightly thicker than ketchup, 8 to 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings. Spoon meat mixture onto hamburger buns and serve. Enjoy!