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 something hearty and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe are about to become your new go-to. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re packed with smoky, melty, tangy goodness that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.

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 love how quick and fuss-free this recipe is—the brisket is already cooked and just needs warming up, which means you get all the comfort with none of the wait. Plus, the combo of melted provolone, tangy BBQ sauce, and crisp coleslaw is nothing short of magic.

Super fast prep: From start to finish in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
Perfectly tender brisket: Uses sliced or shredded brisket that stays juicy and flavorful.
Melty cheesy goodness: Provolone cheese broiled right on the buns for that deliciously gooey touch.
Great balance of textures: Crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and a little zing to every bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, gather your ingredients carefully. You want good-quality beef brisket for that tender bite, and a tangy BBQ sauce that complements but doesn't overpower. The provolone cheese melts beautifully, and the coleslaw brings just the right crunch and creaminess.

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 work best to soak up all the juices without falling apart.
Beef brisket: Use pre-cooked slices or shredded brisket for convenience and flavor.
Barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce—something with a nice tang and a little sweetness.
Provolone cheese: This cheese melts perfectly, adding a mild, creamy layer to the sandwich.
Coleslaw: Adds crisp texture and a refreshing contrast to the rich brisket 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 parts about making Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe is how easy it is to customize them to your liking. Whether you want a little extra tang, a spicy kick, or a veggie boost, there are plenty of delicious ways to make this classic sandwich your own.

Variation with Spicy Slaw: I love adding a splash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños to the coleslaw for an extra zesty bite. It really wakes up the sandwich without overpowering the tender beef.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the hamburger buns for gluten-free rolls or even sturdy lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. The BBQ sauce and brisket flavors shine just as well!
Cheese Swap: While provolone melts beautifully, I sometimes experiment with sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to add a different dimension of flavor.
Make It Vegetarian: For a meatless twist, use grilled portobello mushrooms or jackfruit as the main filling and pair with your favorite BBQ sauce and coleslaw.

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 Perfectly Melted Cheese

Start by setting your oven broiler to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is perfect for melting the provolone cheese quickly without drying out the buns. Placing the buns upside down helps the cheese meld to the bread perfectly while keeping the top soft and flavorful. Keep a close eye here—broil just 2 minutes until the cheese looks bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 2: Warm Up Your Beef Brisket

While your cheese is melting, heat the sliced or shredded beef brisket. You can do this quickly in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave, making sure the brisket is heated evenly and piping hot throughout. This step brings out the rich, smoky flavors and ensures each bite is warm and satisfying.

Step 3: Build the Sandwich Layers

Now the fun part: assembling your sandwich! Place the warm brisket evenly over the bottom halves of the hamburger buns. Drizzle the barbecue sauce generously over the meat — this tangy sauce is the star that ties everything together. Then, add a heaping scoop of crisp coleslaw on top. The cool crunch balances the hearty brisket flavor beautifully.

Step 4: Top It Off and Serve Immediately

Finally, cap your sandwiches with the cheesy bun tops fresh from the broiler. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting. The combination of melted provolone, tender beef, tangy BBQ sauce, and crisp coleslaw makes these sandwiches an irresistible dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures carefully. Here are some tips that have made a big difference in my kitchen!

Perfect Cheese Melt: Broiling the provolone cheese on the upside-down buns for just 2 minutes melts it beautifully without turning it rubbery—definitely don’t skip this step!
Reheating Brisket: I’ve found warming the brisket gently in a pan keeps it juicy and tender; microwave works in a pinch, but watch for drying out the meat.
Crisp Coleslaw Finish: Adding coleslaw last gives a fresh crunch that balances the rich BBQ sauce and tender meat. Make sure it’s crisp and not soggy by draining excess liquid.
Avoid Soggy Buns: Toasting the buns lightly before assembling helps prevent them from getting soggy under the brisket and BBQ sauce—a simple trick that improves every bite.

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

While the sandwich itself is loaded with flavor, you can elevate it further by adding a few simple garnishes. Try some pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick, fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and brightness, or even a few crispy fried onions for extra crunch. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top can also amplify the smoky, tangy notes of the brisket and BBQ sauce.

Side Dishes

Classic sides that pair wonderfully with these sandwiches include crispy sweet potato fries, baked beans, or a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you want to keep things traditional, creamy potato salad or corn on the cob is always a winner. For something fresh, try a cucumber and tomato salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep everything tasting fresh, store the beef brisket, provolone cheese, and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, you can keep all components fresh for up to 5 days before assembling your sandwiches. Avoid putting the buns together with the fillings too far in advance to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked beef brisket for longer storage—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently before assembling your sandwiches. However, avoid freezing the buns, cheese, or coleslaw as their texture and quality will suffer.

Reheating

To reheat the beef brisket, warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist if needed. Alternatively, the microwave works well—heat in short bursts and stir to avoid drying it out. For the cheese, re-broil the bun tops for about 1-2 minutes if needed, or melt the cheese fresh before assembling. Toast the buns lightly to regain their crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another type of cheese instead of provolone?

Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and complements the BBQ flavors, you can substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack depending on your preference.

How long does it take to prepare Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe?

This recipe is super quick — it takes just 10 minutes to prep and 5 minutes to cook or heat everything, for a total time of 15 minutes. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner!

What is the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy buns, toast them lightly before assembling and keep ingredients like coleslaw and BBQ sauce separate until assembly. This keeps the bread nice and firm.

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

You can prepare and store the beef brisket, cheese, and coleslaw in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before assembling the sandwiches. For best texture, assemble just before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Tender Beef Brisket Sandwiches with BBQ Recipe have become my go-to for busy evenings when I want something fast, satisfying, and packed with classic American flavors. The combination of tender meat, melty provolone, tangy BBQ sauce, and crisp coleslaw really hits the spot every time. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make this your new sandwich favorite—enjoy every delicious bite!