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

When you’re craving something hearty with a bit of a kick, nothing beats my Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe. Think tender brisket, tangy barbecue sauce, melty provolone, and crisp coleslaw all nestled between toasted buns—comfort food at its finest!

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, and they never disappoint. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe comes together so quickly, yet tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of barbecue sauce and spicy brisket keeps your taste buds happy.
Texturally Awesome: Creamy melty cheese paired with crunchy coleslaw adds a delightful contrast.
Versatile: Great for a casual dinner or a game day feast, and easy to customize.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients before you dive in—choosing the right components makes all the difference in these sandwiches. Opt for quality brisket that's already cooked and tender for the quickest prep. Fresh coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that brightens the whole meal.

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: Soft yet sturdy buns hold everything together without getting soggy.
Beef Brisket: Pre-cooked, sliced or shredded, bringing tender, flavorful meat to every bite.
Barbecue Sauce: Adds tangy, spicy depth and moistens the brisket perfectly.
Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully under the broiler for gooey cheesiness.
Coleslaw: Brings a crisp, fresh texture that balances richness and spice.

📝

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

One of the best things about the Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tailor it to fit your taste buds and pantry. Whether you want to dial up the heat or keep it classic, making it your own is part of the fun!

Variation: I love adding pickled jalapeños for an extra spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the tangy barbecue sauce and creamy coleslaw. It really amps up the flavor without overpowering the tender brisket.
Vegetarian Twist: For a meat-free version, swap the brisket for smoky grilled portobello mushrooms or jackfruit tossed in barbecue sauce. The melted provolone and coleslaw still keep that satisfying texture and flavor.
Seasonal Flair: During fall, try incorporating apple slaw instead of traditional coleslaw for a sweet and crunchy twist that pairs perfectly with the smoky beef.
Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to swap provolone for sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda to change up the melty cheese vibe according to your mood.

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 Brisket

Start by gently reheating your beef brisket. Whether you choose to warm it up in a pan over medium heat or zap it in the microwave, make sure it’s heated evenly and stays tender. You want that meat juicy and hot, ready to melt every other ingredient together into a perfectly balanced sandwich. This should take just a few minutes—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.

Step 2: Broil the Buns and Melt the Cheese

Set your broiler to a blazing 500°F. Place the hamburger bun tops upside down on a baking sheet, then lay a slice of provolone cheese on each. Pop them under the broiler for about 2 minutes, watching closely so the cheese melts into bubbly, gooey perfection without burning. Once ready, carefully remove the buns—now you have that irresistible melty cheesy crown for your sandwich.

Step 3: Layer Your Sandwich Like a Pro

Start by spreading the warm sliced or shredded brisket generously over the bottom buns. Drizzle the barbecue sauce right on top to add tangy, smoky richness. Then, add a hearty scoop of crispy, refreshing coleslaw to balance all that bold flavor with some crunch. This layering technique creates the perfect bite every time.

Step 4: Top It Off and Serve

Finally, place the cheese-topped bun halves on top of your stacked brisket and coleslaw. Give each sandwich a gentle press to marry the flavors and textures just right. Serve immediately while everything is warm, melty, and inviting. You’re in for a satisfying dinner featuring classic American comfort food at its best!

Top Tip

Mastering the art of the Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe is all about the little details that elevate each bite. These tips come from hands-on cooking and will help you get every element just right for a perfect sandwich experience.

Cheese Melting Magic: Always use the broiler set to 500°F and keep a close eye on the provolone cheese for just about 2 minutes. This quick melt ensures a bubbly, golden topping without burning.
Bun Toasting Technique: Toasting the hamburger buns upside down under the broiler crisps the surface perfectly, preventing soggy bottoms when the juicy brisket and BBQ sauce are added.
Balancing Textures: Adding a generous scoop of coleslaw brings fresh crunch and tang, balancing the tender, smoky brisket and melted cheese beautifully.
Keep Components Fresh: Store the brisket, cheese, and coleslaw separately in the fridge, and assemble sandwiches just before serving to maintain flavors and textures at their best.

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

For a little extra flair, top your sandwiches with thinly sliced pickles or a few rings of pickled jalapeños to add a zingy pop. Fresh chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of chopped green onions also complements the smoky richness nicely. If you like a bit of heat beyond the barbecue sauce, a dash of hot sauce or a smear of spicy mustard is fantastic.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, kettle chips, or a bowl of baked beans. For a lighter option, a simple cucumber salad or grilled corn on the cob adds freshness and balances the hearty flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the beef brisket, provolone cheese slices, and coleslaw stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, everything stays fresh for up to 5 days, making it easy to whip up a quick sandwich later in the week without losing quality.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked beef brisket in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best texture, avoid freezing the buns, cheese, or coleslaw — these are best fresh.

Reheating

Reheat the brisket gently in a pan over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Toast the buns and melt the provolone cheese under the broiler again if desired, then assemble your sandwiches fresh. This method keeps everything tasting just like the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for these sandwiches?

Absolutely! While provolone melts perfectly and has a mild flavor that complements the brisket, you can try cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.

What if I don't have a broiler? How can I melt the cheese?

No broiler? No problem! You can melt the cheese in a skillet on the stove by covering the sandwich with a lid for a couple of minutes, or use a grill to toast the buns and cheese until bubbly.

Is it okay to prepare the sandwiches ahead of time?

For best freshness, it's ideal to assemble and serve the sandwiches just before eating. However, you can prep all components ahead and store them separately, then quickly build the sandwiches when ready to serve.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

This recipe focuses on beef brisket, but you can swap the meat for a smoky grilled portobello mushroom, jackfruit, or a plant-based brisket alternative and still enjoy a flavorful sandwich.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a warm, melty Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwich. It’s a beautiful balance of smoky, tangy, creamy, and crunchy — all wrapped up in a soft toasted bun. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a casual crowd, this recipe comes together fast and delivers on classic American comfort food vibes every time. I hope these tips and ideas help you enjoy it even more!