Name: Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ 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, satisfying meal with layers of flavor, you’ve got to try these Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe. They combine smoky, tangy barbecue brisket with melty cheese and crisp coleslaw for a hand-held taste sensation you’ll want anytime.

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 Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these sandwiches on busy weeknights when I want something hearty without fuss, and they never disappoint. The balance of tender beef, tangy sauce, and crunchy slaw hits every craving spot.

Super Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish—perfect when you’re short on time.
Easy Assembly: No complicated steps, just simple layers of deliciousness.
Textural Contrast: Tender brisket with melty provolone and crisp coleslaw creates a perfect mouthfeel.
Family Friendly: Everyone at the table will love these classic American-style sandwiches.

Ingredients & Why They Work

You’ll want some quality beef brisket—sliced or shredded depending on preference—and fresh hamburger buns that toast nicely without falling apart. Picking the right barbecue sauce and creamy provolone cheese helps elevate this sandwich from good to unforgettable.

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: Choose sturdy buns that can hold up to the juicy brisket and toppings without getting soggy.
Beef brisket: The star of the sandwich—it should be tender and flavorful, sliced or shredded.
Barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite tangy BBQ sauce to add that smoky, zesty kick.
Provolone cheese: Melted provolone adds a mild, creamy layer that pairs beautifully with the brisket.
Coleslaw: Adds a nice crunch and creaminess to balance out the rich meat and cheese.

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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 Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe is how easily you can tailor them to your taste. Whether you want to switch up the cheese, add a little extra heat, or make it lighter, this sandwich is a great base for your creativity!

Variation: If you like a smoky kick, try adding a few pickled jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce before the coleslaw. I love the way the heat balances the creamy cheese and tangy BBQ.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out provolone for a plant-based cheese or skip the cheese entirely, and try avocado slices instead. It adds creaminess without overpowering the bold brisket flavors.
Seasonal Twist: During colder months, add some caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to the sandwich for an earthier, heartier bite. It’s like comfort food in a bun!
Coleslaw Swap: If you’re not a fan of classic coleslaw, try substituting with a crunchy apple slaw or even pickled red cabbage for a tangy crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ 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: Preheat the Broiler to 500°F

Start by setting your oven’s broiler to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is perfect for quickly toasting the hamburger buns and melting the provolone cheese to bubbly, delicious perfection. Keep an eye on the broiler—it works fast and you don’t want the cheese to burn!

Step 2: Warm Up the Beef Brisket

Take your sliced or shredded beef brisket and heat it gently. You can use a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or simply microwave it until hot throughout. The goal is tender, warm meat that’s ready to soak up all that tangy barbecue sauce.

Step 3: Toast the Bun Tops with Melted Cheese

Place the tops of the hamburger buns upside down on a baking sheet. Top each one with a slice of provolone cheese. Slide the sheet under the broiler for about 2 minutes or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns slightly golden. This step adds a melty, savory layer that perfectly complements the beef. Use oven mitts to carefully remove the hot tray!

Step 4: Assemble Your Sandwiches

On the bottom halves of the buns, spread the warm beef brisket evenly. Spoon over the barbecue sauce generously for that signature tangy sweetness. Then add a generous scoop of coleslaw—this adds a crunchy, refreshing contrast that brightens up every bite.

Step 5: Finish & Serve Immediately

Top each piled sandwich with the cheesy, toasted bun halves and serve right away while the cheese is still melty and the brisket warm. These sandwiches are the perfect handheld feast for a quick dinner or casual get-together.

Top Tip

Mastering these Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe is easier with a few insider tips that’ll take your sandwiches from great to unforgettable.

Broiling the Cheese Right: From experience, placing the cheese-topped buns upside down under a 500°F broiler for just 2 minutes yields perfectly melted, bubbly provolone without burning—timing is everything here!
Heating the Brisket Gently: I learned that reheating the brisket slowly on medium heat keeps it tender and juicy, preventing it from drying out or becoming tough as sometimes happens with microwave-only reheating.
Assemble Just Before Serving: Adding coleslaw too early makes the bun soggy, so I always build the sandwich last-minute to keep that delightful crunch fresh.
Storing Separately: I avoid mixing leftover brisket, cheese, and coleslaw during storage—keeping them apart keeps flavors vibrant and textures intact for up to 5 days.

How to Serve Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ 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 sandwiches even further, try adding pickled jalapeños or sliced dill pickles for a zesty bite. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions can add a fresh, colorful touch that brightens up each mouthful.

Side Dishes

Serve your Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches alongside classic comfort sides like crispy sweet potato fries, buttery corn on the cob, or a refreshing cucumber salad. For an extra indulgence, creamy mac and cheese or baked beans make perfect hearty companions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep each component of your sandwiches separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maximize freshness. The beef brisket, cheese, and coleslaw can be safely stored for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy this meal again throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover sliced beef brisket (without the buns or coleslaw) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing coleslaw as it can become watery and lose its crunch upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the brisket gently on the stovetop over medium heat or use the microwave, ensuring it’s warmed through without drying out. Toast the buns fresh or under the broiler for a few minutes, and add coleslaw cold just before serving to keep its crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked brisket for this sandwich?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked or leftover brisket works wonderfully. Just reheat it gently before assembling your sandwich for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have provolone cheese?

No problem! You can substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack cheese based on your preference. Just keep in mind that melting times may vary slightly.

How do I avoid soggy buns?

To prevent soggy buns, toast them well under the broiler and always add the coleslaw just before serving. Keeping ingredients separate until assembly is key.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

For a vegetarian twist, try replacing the beef brisket with grilled portobello mushrooms or jackfruit in BBQ sauce. Pair with the same cheese and coleslaw for a similar texture and flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe are a celebration of comforting flavors and effortless preparation. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a casual gathering, they deliver that perfect balance of tender meat, tangy sauce, melty cheese, and crisp slaw in every bite. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do sharing this recipe with you—happy eating!