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 quick, mouthwatering meal with a zing, you’ve got to try this Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe. Imagine tender slices of beef brisket layered with melty provolone, tangy barbecue sauce, and crisp coleslaw all sandwiched between toasted buns—ready in just 15 minutes!

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

Whenever I make these sandwiches, everyone dives in without hesitation. It’s the perfect combo of smoky, spicy, creamy, and crunchy—all in one bite. Plus, it doesn’t take long to pull together on a busy night!

Super Quick Prep: You can have dinner ready in just 15 minutes, no kidding.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Tender beef, melted provolone, tangy sauce, and fresh coleslaw make every bite deliciously satisfying.
Easy to Customize: Swap the cheese or sauce to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Great for Leftovers: Store components separately, and you’ve got a ready-to-go meal for days.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this sandwich, choosing quality ingredients is key. Pick good hamburger buns that toast well and won’t get soggy. Use tender, flavorful beef brisket—leftovers work wonderfully too. And don’t skimp on the coleslaw; it adds the perfect crunch and freshness to balance the rich flavors.

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 but sturdy buns that hold up under juiciness and toasting make all the difference.
Beef brisket: Tender, sliced or shredded brisket ensures a hearty, satisfying filling.
Barbecue sauce: Adds tang, spice, and depth that complement the beef beautifully.
Provolone cheese: Melts perfectly and adds a mild, creamy layer that ties it all together.
Coleslaw: Brings a refreshing crunch and a hint of acidity to balance the sandwich.

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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 easily you can tailor it to your taste buds or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Variation: For a little extra kick, I love adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy chipotle mayo to the brisket. It elevates the sandwich with a smoky heat that complements the tender beef beautifully.
Vegetarian twist: Try swapping the brisket for grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in barbecue sauce. It adds a meaty texture and keeps the smoky flavor without any beef.
Seasonal upgrade: During cooler months, I mix warm roasted corn and black beans into the coleslaw for a hearty fall flair that adds sweetness and texture.
Cheese options: While provolone melts wonderfully, you could experiment with smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor vibe.

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 Your Broiler for Perfect Toasting

Start by setting your oven’s broiler to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is key for toasting your buns quickly and melting the provolone to that irresistible gooeyness. Keep an eye on the buns during toasting to avoid burning—they only need about 2 minutes under the broiler.

Step 2: Warm Up the Brisket

While the broiler is heating, gently warm your beef brisket. Whether you prefer using a pan on the stovetop or the microwave, the goal is to get the beef hot through without drying it out. This keeps every bite juicy and tender—a must for any great sandwich.

Step 3: Toast Buns and Melt the Cheese

Place the tops of the hamburger buns upside down on a baking sheet and add one slice of provolone cheese on each. Slide the baking sheet under the broiler for about 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts fully and bubbles slightly. Use tongs or a spatula to remove the hot buns carefully.

Step 4: Assemble Your Sandwiches

Layer the piping hot brisket evenly over the bottom halves of your buns. Drizzle on the tangy barbecue sauce to infuse that classic smoky sweetness, then pile on a generous scoop of coleslaw. This contrast of warm beef and crisp coleslaw creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Top and Serve!

Finish by placing the cheese-topped bun halves back on top. Serve these sandwiches immediately to enjoy the melty cheese and tender brisket at their best. Trust me, they disappear fast once on the table!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe, making your meal flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfectly balanced every time.

Perfect Cheese Melt: I found that placing the provolone cheese on the upside-down buns under the broiler for exactly 2 minutes gives a beautifully bubbly melt without drying out the bread.
Balanced Heat: Adding your barbecue sauce just before the coleslaw helps keep the sandwich from getting soggy and keeps the spice punch fresh and bright.
Warm Brisket: Heating the brisket gently—either in a pan or microwave—ensures it stays tender and juicy, avoiding the toughness that can come from overheating.
Separate Storage: Storing the brisket, cheese, and coleslaw separately keeps each ingredient fresh for up to 5 days, making meal prep a breeze without compromising taste or texture.

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

Add fresh garnishes like thinly sliced pickles or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to brighten the sandwich. A dash of hot sauce or a few sliced jalapeños on the side can amplify that spicy kick if you love extra heat. For a touch of tang, a squirt of lemon juice over the coleslaw adds a fresh zing.

Side Dishes

Pair your Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches with crispy sweet potato fries, classic potato salad, or a crunchy dill pickle spear. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing balance to the richness of the sandwich. For a true comfort food experience, baked beans or corn on the cob are wonderful accompaniments too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the brisket, provolone cheese, and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps each component keep its best texture and flavor for up to 5 days. Keep the hamburger buns in a sealed bag at room temperature or in the fridge if you prefer.

Freezing

If you want to save some brisket for later, you can freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the cheese and coleslaw as they don’t freeze well. Thaw brisket in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the brisket gently on the stovetop or microwave until warm. Toast or broil your buns again with the provolone cheese for about 2 minutes to get that perfect melt and warmth before assembling the sandwich. Reassemble just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cheese instead of provolone?

Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and pairs nicely with brisket, you can swap in mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a little extra spice.

How spicy is this sandwich?

The spice level mainly depends on your choice of barbecue sauce and any additional toppings like jalapeños. You can adjust the heat by selecting a milder or hotter barbecue sauce to suit your taste.

Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing the components separately and storing them in the fridge allows you to assemble the sandwiches quickly when you’re ready to eat. Just toast the buns and melt the cheese fresh for the best experience.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Since the brisket, cheese, and coleslaw store well separately for up to 5 days, you can prep portions early in the week and assemble meals quickly for busy days.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwich—quick to make yet big on flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe offers delicious simplicity with every bite. Keep these tips and storage ideas in mind, and you’ll have this crowd-pleaser ready at your fingertips anytime you want a comforting, hearty meal.