Name: Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 hamburger buns; 2 cups beef brisket, sliced or shredded; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 4 slices provolone cheese; 1 cup coleslaw

If you’re craving a sandwich that packs a punch of bold, smoky flavor with a hint of spice, then this Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender beef, melty cheese, tangy barbecue sauce, and crisp coleslaw come together in a perfect handheld dinner.

A close-up of a sandwich on a white toasted bun, showing three main layers. The bottom layer has bright green pickle slices on the bun. The middle layer is a thick, dark brown portion of shredded meat with a moist texture. The top layer is creamy coleslaw with creamy white dressing and pieces of purple cabbage, green cabbage, and carrot shreds. A small wooden skewer holds the sandwich together from above. The sandwich sits on a wood surface with a white marbled texture background blurred behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these sandwiches more times than I can count because they’re so quick, satisfying, and bring that classic American BBQ vibe to the dinner table without any fuss.

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty fast.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Rich beef brisket pairs beautifully with tangy barbecue sauce and creamy coleslaw.
Satisfying Texture: The melty provolone adds a wonderful gooey layer that elevates this sandwich to the next level.
Family Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults loves this comforting, no-fuss meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right components makes all the difference here. You want soft but sturdy buns, tender brisket (leftover or freshly sliced), and the freshest coleslaw you can get or make yourself. Here’s the lowdown on each ingredient I recommend for the best results.

Flat lay of four fresh hamburger buns with soft golden crusts, a generous pile of tender sliced beef brisket with rich brown hues, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy reddish barbecue sauce, four slices of creamy pale yellow provolone cheese, and a generous mound of vibrant coleslaw featuring finely shredded white and purple cabbage with bits of orange carrot, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Hamburger buns: Look for buns that toast well and hold up under the juicy brisket and sauce without getting soggy.
Beef brisket: Tender sliced or shredded brisket works best—either leftover from a roast or store-bought.
Barbecue sauce: A tangy, smoky sauce with a bit of heat complements the beef beautifully; use your favorite brand or homemade version.
Provolone cheese: This mild, melty cheese adds just the right creamy touch without overpowering the other flavors.
Coleslaw: Adds a cool, crisp contrast that balances the richness of the meat and sauce perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe is a fantastic base to customize exactly how you like it. Whether you want to add some extra heat, swap ingredients for dietary needs, or put a seasonal twist, the options are endless and always delicious.

Variation - Add Heat: For an extra kick, I love mixing a spoonful of chipotle mayo or a few dashes of hot sauce into the barbecue sauce before drizzling it over the brisket. It adds smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the tender beef.
Vegetarian Swap: If you want a veggie-packed version, try grilled portobello mushrooms with provolone and coleslaw in place of the brisket. It’s hearty and satisfying with all the original flavors intact.
Seasonal Flair: During the summer, using a tangy pineapple coleslaw adds a refreshing twist that brightens the sandwich and balances the smoky beef. Give it a try when fresh pineapples are in season!
Cheese Options: While provolone melts perfectly, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda for different flavor profiles.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe

A close-up of a small sandwich held by a woman's hand with a shiny sesame seed-topped bun on top. The sandwich has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a soft, lightly toasted white bun, the middle layer is a mix of creamy coleslaw with purple and green cabbage, and the top layer is a piece of tender, light grilled chicken. The sandwich looks fresh and moist, with a slight shine on the bun, and the background shows more sandwiches blurred on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm Up That Beef Brisket

Start by heating your beef brisket until it's piping hot and tender—about 3-5 minutes on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. This step really wakes up the flavors and creates a juicy, satisfying bite in every sandwich.

Step 2: Broil the Buns and Melt That Cheese

Preheat your oven broiler to 500°F. Flip the hamburger buns upside down onto a baking sheet, then place a slice of provolone cheese on each top bun. Slide them under the broiler for about 2 minutes — just until the cheese melts and starts to bubble. Keep a close eye here to avoid any burning! The result is a gooey, golden layer that's pure heaven.

Step 3: Build Your Sandwich Layers

Place the hot beef brisket evenly across the bottom halves of your buns. Pour on the barbecue sauce—use as much or as little as you like for tangy, smoky goodness. Top it all off with a generous scoop of fresh coleslaw, which adds an irresistible crunch and creamy texture.

Step 4: Top and Serve Immediately

Crown each sandwich with the cheesy, toasted top buns and serve right away. Enjoy the melty provolone, tender brisket, zesty sauce, and crisp coleslaw coming together in every warm, hearty bite. This sandwich truly delivers classic American comfort food in about 15 minutes!

Top Tip

Mastering the art of the Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe comes down to a few simple tips that really elevate each bite. These nuggets of wisdom will help you get that perfect balance of tender meat, melty cheese, and crisp buns every time.

Heat Evenly: Warming the beef brisket slowly over medium heat rather than rushing it in the microwave helps maintain its juicy texture. If you do use the microwave, stir occasionally to avoid hot spots.
Watch the Broil: When broiling the buns with provolone cheese, keep a close eye to prevent burning—cheese melts quickly and can bubble up before you know it.
Assemble Last Minute: Put together your sandwiches just before serving. This keeps the buns from getting soggy and preserves the crisp texture of the coleslaw.
Customize the Heat: Though “spicy” is in the name, you can adjust the barbecue sauce to suit your spice preference. I’ve learned that mixing in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne can really wake up the flavors.

How to Serve Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe

The image shows a tray with six open sandwich buns arranged in two columns. Three buns on the left column each have a layer of shredded brown meat with a glossy sauce spread evenly on the bottom halves, while the top halves are plain and placed beside them. The buns are light in color with a soft texture. Around the tray, there are bowls and plates with different sides: a bowl filled with more shredded meat with sauce and a spoon on the top left, a small white plate holding several long, green pickles on the top right, a bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots at the bottom, and a small dish with a dark reddish-brown dipping sauce on the bottom left. The surface underneath is white with a marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few fresh garnishes can brighten these sandwiches beautifully. Try topping with sliced pickles for a tangy crunch or a handful of fresh cilantro to add a herby freshness. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dash of smoked paprika on the coleslaw adds a subtle, flavorful twist.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches pair perfectly with all your classic sides. Think crispy sweet potato fries, a tangy pickle spear, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a Southern vibe, serve with baked beans or cornbread to complete your meal in style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep everything fresh and delicious, store the beef brisket, provolone cheese slices, and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Each component will stay good for up to 5 days. Avoid assembling the sandwiches too far ahead to prevent soggy buns.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to freeze the cooked beef brisket alone. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your brisket gently in a pan over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through. To refresh the buns and melt the provolone cheese again, use your oven broiler set at 500°F for 2 minutes, just like when you first prepared them. Assemble the sandwich last to keep everything at peak texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cheeses besides provolone for this sandwich?

Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can swap it for mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack depending on your taste preference.

How spicy is this Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe?

The spiciness mainly depends on the barbecue sauce you choose. You can use a mild sauce or kick it up with a hot and spicy barbecue sauce. Adding extra hot sauce or chili flakes also works great to customize the heat.

Can I assemble these sandwiches ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble them just before serving to keep the buns from becoming soggy. You can prepare all components ahead of time and store them separately, then quickly assemble when ready to enjoy.

What’s the best bread to use for these sandwiches?

Hamburger buns are ideal for this recipe as they hold up to the moist brisket and toppings while providing a soft, sturdy base. You can use brioche buns for a richer flavor or whole wheat buns if you prefer a heartier option.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into a Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwich that’s loaded with tender meat, melted provolone, tangy barbecue sauce, and crunchy coleslaw. It’s a simple recipe with big flavor that makes dinner feel like a special occasion even on busy weeknights. Give it a try, play around with your favorite sauces and toppings, and make this sandwich your own new favorite comfort food.