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.
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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.
- 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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy Beef Brisket Sandwiches featuring tender sliced beef brisket, melted provolone cheese, tangy barbecue sauce, and fresh coleslaw served on toasted hamburger buns. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner with classic American flavors.
Ingredients
Sandwich Components
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 cups beef brisket, sliced or shredded
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup coleslaw
Instructions
- Heat the beef brisket: Warm the beef brisket in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until hot, about 3-5 minutes. Make sure it is thoroughly heated to enhance flavor and texture.
- Broil the buns and melt cheese: Preheat the oven broiler to 500°F. Place the tops of the hamburger buns upside down on a baking sheet. Put a slice of provolone cheese on each bun top. Broil for 2 minutes or until the cheese melts and starts to bubble. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Assemble the sandwich: Lay the hot beef brisket evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Drizzle each with barbecue sauce to taste. Then add a generous spoonful of coleslaw on top of the brisket and sauce.
- Finish and serve: Place the cheese-topped bun halves on top of the coleslaw layers. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the combination of melted cheese, tender brisket, tangy sauce, and creamy slaw.
Notes
- Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness; meat, cheese, and coleslaw should be kept chilled.
- Instead of broiling, you can toast the buns on a grill or in a pan on the stovetop to achieve crispy buns with melted cheese.
- Melting the cheese is optional; some prefer to serve the sandwiches with cold sliced cheese.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce and coleslaw recipe or store-bought versions depending on preference and availability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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