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 little kick, this Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe hits all the right notes. Tender beef, tangy barbecue sauce, melted provolone, and crisp coleslaw come together for a satisfying dinner that's quick and delicious.

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich with three visible layers sitting in a white bun. The bottom layer has green pickle slices, which have a shiny, wet look. Above that is a thick, brown, shredded meat layer with a moist and textured surface. The top layer consists of creamy coleslaw with white, green, and purple cabbage mixed with orange carrot shreds, all coated lightly with a white creamy sauce. The sandwich is held together by a wooden pick on top, and the background is a white marbled texture with another sandwich slightly 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’m always on the lookout for dinners that come together fast without skimping on flavor, and these sandwiches are one of my favorites. The blend of smoky brisket and creamy coleslaw always wins everyone over at the table.

Speedy Prep: Ready to eat in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: The spicy barbecue sauce adds a punch that’s balanced by melty provolone cheese.
Texture Contrast: Crisp coleslaw adds that fresh crunch and creaminess to every bite.
Versatile Serving: You can make them with sliced or shredded brisket, and customize toppings easily.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These simple ingredients come together to create big flavors. When you’re shopping, look for good-quality beef brisket and fresh coleslaw for the best results. The cheese melts beautifully under the broiler, making these sandwiches feel extra special.

Flat lay of four whole hamburger buns with golden crusts, a pile of shredded beef brisket with rich brown tones, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick reddish-brown barbecue sauce, four slices of pale yellow provolone cheese stacked neatly, and a mound of creamy coleslaw with shredded green and purple cabbage and carrot strands, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic plates and bowls, 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 buns hold everything together and toast up nicely under the broiler.
Beef brisket: Use tender sliced or shredded brisket for that rich, smoky meatiness.
Barbecue sauce: Adds tangy, spicy flavor that ties the sandwich components together.
Provolone cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a creamy, mild bite.
Coleslaw: Gives a refreshing crunch and creamy texture that complements the smoky beef.

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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 a Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste buds or the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you prefer extra heat, a different cheese, or a unique twist on coleslaw, there’s plenty of room to get creative while keeping that classic smoky, savory balance alive.

Add a Kick: I love turning up the heat by mixing a little chipotle powder or hot sauce into the barbecue sauce. It adds a smoky, spicy layer that pairs beautifully with the creamy provolone and crisp coleslaw.
Cheese Swap: If provolone isn’t your favorite, try pepper jack for a spicy twist or sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Each cheese changes the vibe of the sandwich in a delightful way.
Coleslaw Variations: Feel free to experiment with your coleslaw. I sometimes make a tangy vinegar-based slaw instead of a creamy one for a lighter bite that complements the rich brisket wonderfully.
Go Low-Carb: For those watching their carbs, swap the hamburger buns for sturdy lettuce wraps or keto-friendly buns. The filling is so full of flavor, you won’t miss the bread!

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

A close-up view of a small sandwich held by a woman's hand on the right side of the image, featuring a shiny, golden-brown sesame seed bun on top and a soft, slightly toasted white bun on the bottom. Between the buns, there is a layer of creamy coleslaw with purple and green cabbage mixed with a light dressing, sitting on top of a darker, saucy meat patty or filling. In the blurred background, there are two more similar sandwiches resting on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the glossy texture of the bun and the creamy and chunky textures inside the sandwich photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Heat the Beef Brisket to Perfection

Start by warming your 2 cups of sliced or shredded beef brisket. I usually use a pan over medium heat to gently heat the meat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. If you're short on time, the microwave works great—just cover and heat in short 30-second bursts until hot throughout. You want the brisket nice and warm because that’ll bring out the smoky flavor and ensure a juicy bite inside your sandwich.

Step 2: Prepare the Buns and Melt the Cheese

Preheat your broiler to 500°F—this high heat is key for getting the cheese bubbly and the buns lightly toasted. Place the tops of the hamburger buns upside down on a baking sheet. Lay one slice of provolone cheese on each bun half. Then, pop them under the broiler for about 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning; you want the cheese to be melty and slightly bubbly, with the edges just starting to golden.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich with BBQ Sauce and Coleslaw

Layer the hot beef brisket generously over the bottom halves of your buns. Spoon ½ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce evenly over the brisket—this adds that tangy, sweet, smoky flavor that’s so irresistible. Then, pile on about 1 cup of coleslaw to add crisp texture and a cool, creamy contrast that balances the richness perfectly.

Step 4: Finish Up and Serve While Warm

Place the cheese-topped bun halves back on top carefully, pressing down just a little to hold everything together. Serve these sandwiches immediately while the cheese is still melty and the brisket tender and warm. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, they’ll be the star of the table.

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail your Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe every time, making sure the flavors shine and the textures are just right.

Perfect Cheese Melt: Broil your provolone cheese-topped buns for exactly 2 minutes at 500°F to get that irresistible bubbly, slightly golden finish.
Keep the Brisket Warm: Heat your beef brisket gently over medium heat or in the microwave just until hot to preserve its tender texture without drying it out.
Layering Matters: Place the barbecue sauce directly on the brisket before adding coleslaw—this keeps the bread from getting soggy while giving each bite balanced flavor.
Don’t Skip Toasting the Buns: Toasting adds crunch and structure which holds up beautifully against the saucy brisket and creamy coleslaw.

How to Serve Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe

The image shows a black tray with six sandwich buns open and facing up, three of the buns have shredded, saucy brown meat on their bottom halves, while the other halves are plain and white. The tray is lined with light brown parchment paper and sits on a white marbled surface. Above the tray is a white bowl filled with more shredded saucy meat and a silver fork resting inside. To the right, there is a white bowl holding several pickle spears. At the bottom left, there is a small white container with dark red barbecue sauce, and next to it, a white bowl with coleslaw made of shredded cabbage and carrots with a silver spoon inside. Part of a wooden board with sesame seed sandwich tops is visible on the right edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your sandwich, consider adding a few fresh garnish touches. Try thinly sliced pickled jalapeños for an extra spicy kick, fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of brightness, or a dash of smoked paprika sprinkled over the coleslaw to enhance smoky notes.

Side Dishes

Serve your Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches alongside classic Southern sides like crispy sweet potato fries, tangy pickles, or a refreshing cucumber salad. For something heartier, mac and cheese or baked beans pair beautifully with the smoky, rich flavors of the brisket.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Beef brisket, provolone cheese slices, and coleslaw can be kept up to 5 days before serving. Keep the buns in a sealed bag at room temperature or lightly wrapped in foil in the fridge.

Freezing

Freeze any leftover sliced or shredded brisket in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. While cheese and coleslaw don’t freeze well, you can always grab fresh items when you're ready to rebuild the sandwiches.

Reheating

Reheat brisket gently in a pan over medium heat or microwave until hot. To refresh the buns and melt the cheese again, briefly broil at 500°F for 2 minutes. Assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While provolone cheese melts beautifully and complements the flavors well, you can substitute with cheddar, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for a different twist.

How spicy are the Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches?

The recipe balances smoky brisket with tangy barbecue sauce and cool coleslaw, which mellows the heat. If you want more spice, add pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to amp it up.

Can I prepare the brisket in advance?

Yes, the brisket can be cooked ahead of time, sliced or shredded, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just reheat it gently before assembling the sandwiches.

What’s the best way to prevent soggy buns?

To avoid soggy buns, toast them before assembling and add the barbecue sauce directly on the brisket rather than the bun. This keeps the bread from getting too wet while still delivering great flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Beef Brisket Sandwiches Recipe truly brings together comfort and bold flavors with every bite. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, these sandwiches are quick to assemble, packed with smoky richness, and finished with that satisfying crunch and creaminess. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this meal a regular on your dinner rotation—enjoy every delicious bite!