Back-to-School Ready: A Quick Weeknight Dinner with Dogtown Pizza

When school starts back up, a few good things happen. Routines slip back into place, and late-night sleepovers are regulated to the weekend. Yet, one thing that doesn’t change is just how busy your schedule is. Feeding the family can sometimes seem like an impossibility, especially when you want something that’s good (and they won’t complain about) and yet fast. A few quick weeknight dinners can help you get through those busy days.

What Quick Weeknight Dinners Need to Be

Homework, sports practice, plays, and all of the social functions that come from the school year are ready to get back into place. It’s a good thing to look forward to a new year. At the same time, you also need fast meals. These dinners need to be:

• Foods that the kids will eat
• Nutritious
• Quick to throw together

When you need a fast and convenient meal that fits all of these areas, we have a few helpful recommendations. At Dogtown Pizza, we know what families need.

The Easiest Dinner Idea: St. Louis-Style Pizza

Okay, shameless plug. For weeknight dinners you can count on, start by stocking your freezer with the best frozen pizza you can find. When you have a few Dogtown Pizzas ready to go, you can effortlessly get a dinner on the table without any fuss. When things get chaotic, nothing beats having a quick frozen pizza everyone loves on deck! .

In just 10 to 17 minutes, your Dogtown Pizza is hot and ready. This is the ultimate no-stress meal for when you’re running between football and band practice. Throw something green on the side (call on our unsung hero, the cucumber) and you are all set! 

Keep reading for more unique dinner ideas, or click here to find a store near you carrying Dogtown Pizzas!

Simple Dinner Solutions for Busy Weeknights

While Dogtown Pizza is your go-to hero, here are a few other quick-and-easy dinner ideas to add to your rotation. 

Important note: You can ALWAYS have a slice of pizza as a side or as an appetizer while you wait for meals to cook. We have been led to believe that pizza is just an entree; we think that needs to change! 

1. The “Deconstructed” Salad Bar

Getting nutrients into the kids is always important. Instead of a standard salad, create a fun, customizable “salad bar” station. 

• Prep ahead: On Sunday, wash and chop lettuce, and dice favorite toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots. Store them in separate, clear containers in the fridge.
• The protein: Cook a batch of grilled chicken, chickpeas, or steak to keep on hand.
• Dinner time: Just pull out the containers, and let everyone create their own salad. This works as a healthy main course or a perfect side for your pizza.

2. The 10-Minute Quesadilla Stack

Step away from the simple folded tortilla. This quick-dinner hack turns a classic quesadilla into a substantial and incredibly fast meal. It’s easy, versatile, and gives everyone a satisfying crunch.

• Quick Prep: Grab a bag of pre-shredded rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. This is your secret weapon for speed. In a small bowl, mix the chicken with a little salsa or your favorite taco seasoning.
• The Build: Lay one flour tortilla flat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle with a generous layer of shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend works great), then top with the seasoned shredded chicken, corn, or black beans. Place a second tortilla on top.
• The Flip: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Use a large spatula to flip the entire quesadilla stack to cook the other side.
• Serve and Slice: Once both sides are crispy, slide the stack onto a cutting board and slice it into wedges. Serve with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa.

This layered approach makes a simple quesadilla feel more like a full meal. It’s perfect for a quick, grab-and-go dinner before the evening’s activities begin.

3. The Super-Simple Sheet Pan Meal

If you haven’t experienced the magic that is a sheet pan dinner, we highly recommend you add it to your meal planning. Sheet pan dinners are a lifesaver for easy cleanup and are totally customizable for more discerning palates. The formula is simple: protein + veggies + seasonings = one-pan magic.

• The formula: On a sheet pan, combine cubed chicken, sausages, or firm tofu with chopped veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and potatoes.
• Seasoning: Toss everything with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs work great).
• Dinner time: Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until the protein is cooked through and the veggies are tender. You can even cut everything ahead of time, so all you have to do is toss it on the pan and go! For super easy cleanup, cover your pan in foil before starting!

4. No-Cook “Snack” Dinner

Sometimes the best dinner is one you don’t have to cook at all. This “snack” dinner is a fun, no-stress meal that works great on a hot night or after a particularly long day.

• The Blueprint: Grab a large cutting board and fill it with a variety of grab-and-go foods. Think of it like a simplified charcuterie board for the family.
• The Components: Start with proteins like sliced deli meat, hard-boiled eggs, or cheese cubes. Add some fresh veggies like cucumber slices, baby carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Round it out with some fruit, crackers, and maybe some hummus or ranch for dipping.
• Eat and Relax: No cooking, no plates—just grazing. This encourages kids to try different things and makes for a low-pressure mealtime where everyone can relax and enjoy.

Bonus: Leftovers can make their way into lunches for the next day! 

Why Choose Dogtown Pizza as Your Go-To?

When there’s baseball practice, half of the families on the team will be calling for pizza to be delivered, making those nights very long. When you have top-quality pizza ready to go, in your freezer, you only need the length of time it takes to preheat your oven and bake a pizza to be ready to go.

Our St. Louis-style pizza is designed to be reliably perfect when you need it the most. You can pick from numerous flavor options that fit your family’s needs. This is one of the simplest ways to ensure that your family can enjoy a quick meal even on the longest day of the week without having to think twice about quality or cost.

Check out our full lineup of flavors now, find a store near you, and fill up your freezer before the school year gets too far underway. It’s easier than you think to have a pizza the kids wi,ll love ready to go.