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

If you're craving a sandwich that's bursting with smoky, spicy, and tangy goodness, you're in for a treat. This Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe is my go-to for a quick, satisfying dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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

From the first time I made these sandwiches, they've been a fast favorite in my kitchen. The combo of tender brisket, melty provolone, and crunchy coleslaw is just unbeatable—and the spicy barbecue sauce ties it all together perfectly.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Balanced Flavors: Smoky, spicy, creamy, and tangy elements come together in one bite.
Textural Delight: Tender beef brisket meets melted provolone and crisp coleslaw on a toasted bun.
Great Make-Ahead: Ingredients store well for up to 5 days, making it easy to prep ahead.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this sandwich, keep things simple but quality-focused. The sliced beef brisket should be tender and flavorful, and the barbecue sauce is your chance to bring in that spicy kick—choose one you love. Fresh coleslaw adds the perfect crunch and tang to balance the richness.

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: I prefer sturdy buns that hold up well to the juicy brisket and toppings without getting soggy.
Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the barbecue sauce.
Beef Brisket: Use pre-cooked sliced or shredded brisket for convenience; it's packed with that rich, smoky flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Adds just the right level of spice and sweetness to bring the sandwich together.
Coleslaw: Provides a refreshing crunch and tangy contrast that livens up each bite.

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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

One of the best things about this Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the heat or add a fresh twist, there are plenty of ways to make it truly your own.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a few dashes of hot sauce or mixing some chipotle peppers into the barbecue sauce for an extra smoky, spicy depth. It really wakes up the sandwich without overpowering the tender brisket.
Different Cheese: While provolone melts beautifully, swapping it for a sharp cheddar or pepper jack brings a new flavor vibe—pepper jack especially if you want to keep it spicy and creamy.
Vegetarian Swap: For a meatless twist, try grilled mushrooms or jackfruit seasoned with barbecue sauce. Layering those with coleslaw still gives you the satisfying textures and tang you love.
Seasonal Greens: Instead of classic coleslaw, try a crunchy cabbage slaw with apple slices or a slaw with a hint of jalapeño for added brightness and that signature crunch.

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: Preheat the Broiler to Toast and Melt

Start by setting your broiler to 500°F. This high heat is perfect for toasting the hamburger buns quickly and melting the provolone cheese to a gooey, bubbly finish. Having the broiler hot and ready means you get that golden, slightly crispy top on your sandwich in just a couple of minutes.

Step 2: Warm Up the Beef Brisket

While the broiler is heating, gently warm your beef brisket. Whether you choose to heat it in a pan over medium heat or pop it in the microwave, the goal is hot and tender brisket ready to absorb those barbecue flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s steaming and easy to pull apart or slice further if needed.

Step 3: Get the Tops of the Buns Toasted and Cheese-Melted

Place the hamburger bun tops upside down on a baking sheet, then top each with a slice of provolone cheese. Slide them under your preheated broiler for about 2 minutes. Keep a close eye—it only takes a minute or two for the cheese to fully melt and turn deliciously bubbly. Once ready, carefully remove from the oven.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Layers

Lay the warm beef brisket evenly over the bottoms of the buns. Next, drizzle on that half cup of tangy barbecue sauce—this is where the smoky flavor really shines through. Finish with a generous scoop of crunchy coleslaw, adding creaminess and a refreshing bite to every mouthful.

Step 5: Top, Serve, and Enjoy!

Cap each sandwich with the cheese-topped bun halves and serve immediately. These sandwiches are best enjoyed warm when the cheese is melty and the flavors are at their peak. They come together quickly—just 15 minutes from start to finish—making them a perfect, satisfying dinner any night of the week.

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my kitchen to yours, helping you perfect your Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe with ease and confidence every time.

Perfect Cheese Melt: Broil the buns with provolone for just 2 minutes at 500°F to get that ideal melt—melty and bubbly but not burnt.
Warm Your Brisket Thoroughly: Heating the beef brisket gently in a pan or microwave ensures the meat stays tender and juicy, avoiding that dreaded dryness.
Layering Matters: Spread the barbecue sauce over the warm brisket before topping with coleslaw for the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and crunchy textures.
Separate Storage: Keep the meat, cheese, and coleslaw stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and avoid soggy buns.

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

To add a little extra pizzazz, try garnishing your sandwiches with fresh pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, spicy kick. Crispy fried onions also add a wonderful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy coleslaw and melty provolone.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like crispy potato chips or crunchy dill pickle spears work wonderfully here. For something heartier, go for baked sweet potato fries or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors of the sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover brisket, cheese, and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This method keeps everything fresh for up to 5 days and prevents the buns from getting soggy if you’re saving sandwiches for later.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, wrap the sliced or shredded beef brisket tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze the coleslaw and buns fresh — they don’t freeze well and can lose texture.

Reheating

Reheat the beef brisket in a pan over medium heat to keep it moist and tender, or microwave it covered until warm. Toast the buns separately under the broiler or in a skillet with provolone to restore that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone?

Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and complements the smoky beef, you could also try cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack depending on your flavor preference.

How spicy is this sandwich?

The Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe offers a gentle kick primarily from the barbecue sauce and optional spicy garnishes. Adjust the heat by choosing a spicier sauce or adding jalapeños if you like things hotter.

Can I prepare the brisket ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and slice or shred the brisket in advance, then store it in the refrigerator separately up to 5 days. Warm it up just before assembling sandwiches to keep it tender and juicy.

What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?

Keeping the buns separate until serving and toasting them just before assembly helps prevent sogginess. Also, layering sauce on the meat (instead of directly on the bun) and using coleslaw with good drainage keeps everything fresh.

Final Thoughts

These Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches are a quick fix that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet exciting. I hope you enjoy every melty, smoky, crunchy bite just as much as I do—it’s a sandwich you’ll want to make again and again.