Zucchini Boats USDA Recipe for Child Care Centers

Zucchinis are versatile veggies, which are great for roasting, dipping, and stuffing. Try these easy-to-make zucchini boats filled with ground beef, cheese, and loads of flavor.
CACFP CREDITING INFORMATION
¼ cup vegetable
1½ oz eq meat/meat alternate
SOURCE
Team Nutrition CACFP Easy Recipe Project
TeamNutrition.USDA.gov
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Prep Time 40 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Ingredients
 

25 Servings

    Weight

    • - - Nonstick cooking spray
    • 2 lb 10 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
    • 2 lb 14 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
    • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
    • 6 fl oz Water
    • 3⅛ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

    Measure

    • 3 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
    • 12½ - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
    • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
    • ¼ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
    • ¾ cup Water
    • ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

    50 Servings

      Weight

      • - - Nonstick cooking spray
      • 5 lb 4 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
      • 5 lb 12 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
      • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
      • 12 fl oz Water
      • 6¼ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

      Measure

      • 4 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
      • 25 - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
      • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
      • ½ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
      • 1½ cups Water
      • 1½ cup + 1 Tbsp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

      Quantity
       

      25 Servings

        Weight

        • - - Nonstick cooking spray
        • 2 lb 10 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
        • 2 lb 14 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
        • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
        • 6 fl oz Water
        • 3⅛ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

        Measure

        • 3 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
        • 12½ - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
        • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
        • ¼ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
        • ¾ cup Water
        • ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

        50 Servings

          Weight

          • - - Nonstick cooking spray
          • 5 lb 4 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
          • 5 lb 12 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
          • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
          • 12 fl oz Water
          • 6¼ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

          Measure

          • 4 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
          • 25 - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
          • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
          • ½ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
          • 1½ cups Water
          • 1½ cup + 1 Tbsp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

          Ingredients
           

          25 Servings

            Weight

            • - - Nonstick cooking spray
            • 2 lb 10 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
            • 2 lb 14 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
            • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
            • 6 fl oz Water
            • 3⅛ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

            Measure

            • 3 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
            • 12½ - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
            • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
            • ¼ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
            • ¾ cup Water
            • ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

            50 Servings

              Weight

              • - - Nonstick cooking spray
              • 5 lb 4 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
              • 5 lb 12 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
              • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
              • 12 fl oz Water
              • 6¼ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

              Measure

              • 4 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
              • 25 - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
              • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
              • ½ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
              • 1½ cups Water
              • 1½ cup + 1 Tbsp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

              Quantity
               

              25 Servings

                Weight

                • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                • 2 lb 10 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                • 2 lb 14 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                • 6 fl oz Water
                • 3⅛ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                Measure

                • 3 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                • 12½ - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                • ¼ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                • ¾ cup Water
                • ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                50 Servings

                  Weight

                  • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                  • 5 lb 4 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                  • 5 lb 12 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                  • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                  • 12 fl oz Water
                  • 6¼ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                  Measure

                  • 4 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                  • 25 - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                  • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                  • ½ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                  • 1½ cups Water
                  • 1½ cup + 1 Tbsp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded
                  *See Marketing Guide

                  Ingredients
                   

                  25 Servings

                    Weight

                    • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                    • 2 lb 10 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                    • 2 lb 14 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                    • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                    • 6 fl oz Water
                    • 3⅛ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                    Measure

                    • 3 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                    • 12½ - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                    • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                    • ¼ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                    • ¾ cup Water
                    • ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                    50 Servings

                      Weight

                      • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                      • 5 lb 4 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                      • 5 lb 12 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                      • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                      • 12 fl oz Water
                      • 6¼ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                      Measure

                      • 4 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                      • 25 - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                      • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                      • ½ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                      • 1½ cups Water
                      • 1½ cup + 1 Tbsp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                      Quantity
                       

                      25 Servings

                        Weight

                        • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                        • 2 lb 10 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                        • 2 lb 14 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                        • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                        • 6 fl oz Water
                        • 3⅛ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                        Measure

                        • 3 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                        • 12½ - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                        • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                        • ¼ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                        • ¾ cup Water
                        • ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                        50 Servings

                          Weight

                          • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                          • 5 lb 4 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                          • 5 lb 12 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                          • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                          • 12 fl oz Water
                          • 6¼ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                          Measure

                          • 4 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                          • 25 - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                          • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                          • ½ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                          • 1½ cups Water
                          • 1½ cup + 1 Tbsp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded
                          *See Marketing Guide

                          Ingredients
                           

                          25 Servings

                            Weight

                            • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                            • 2 lb 10 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                            • 2 lb 14 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                            • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                            • 6 fl oz Water
                            • 3⅛ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                            Measure

                            • 3 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                            • 12½ - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                            • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                            • ¼ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                            • ¾ cup Water
                            • ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                            50 Servings

                              Weight

                              • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                              • 5 lb 4 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                              • 5 lb 12 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                              • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                              • 12 fl oz Water
                              • 6¼ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                              Measure

                              • 4 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                              • 25 - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                              • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                              • ½ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                              • 1½ cups Water
                              • 1½ cup + 1 Tbsp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                              Quantity
                               

                              25 Servings

                                Weight

                                • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                                • 2 lb 10 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                • 2 lb 14 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                • 6 fl oz Water
                                • 3⅛ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                                Measure

                                • 3 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                                • 12½ - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                • ¼ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                • ¾ cup Water
                                • ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                                50 Servings

                                  Weight

                                  • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                                  • 5 lb 4 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                  • 5 lb 12 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                  • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                  • 12 fl oz Water
                                  • 6¼ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                                  Measure

                                  • 4 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                                  • 25 - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                  • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                  • ½ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                  • 1½ cups Water
                                  • 1½ cup + 1 Tbsp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded
                                  *See Marketing Guide

                                  Ingredients
                                   

                                  25 Servings

                                    Weight

                                    • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                                    • 2 lb 10 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                    • 2 lb 14 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                    • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                    • 6 fl oz Water
                                    • 3⅛ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                                    Measure

                                    • 3 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                                    • 12½ - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                    • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                    • ¼ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                    • ¾ cup Water
                                    • ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                                    50 Servings

                                      Weight

                                      • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                                      • 5 lb 4 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                      • 5 lb 12 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                      • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                      • 12 fl oz Water
                                      • 6¼ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                                      Measure

                                      • 4 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                                      • 25 - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                      • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                      • ½ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                      • 1½ cups Water
                                      • 1½ cup + 1 Tbsp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                                      Quantity
                                       

                                      25 Servings

                                        Weight

                                        • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                                        • 2 lb 10 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                        • 2 lb 14 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                        • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                        • 6 fl oz Water
                                        • 3⅛ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                                        Measure

                                        • 3 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                                        • 12½ - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                        • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                        • ¼ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                        • ¾ cup Water
                                        • ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                                        50 Servings

                                          Weight

                                          • - - Nonstick cooking spray
                                          • 5 lb 4 oz Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                          • 5 lb 12 oz Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                          • - - Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                          • 12 fl oz Water
                                          • 6¼ oz Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded

                                          Measure

                                          • 4 sprays Nonstick cooking spray
                                          • 25 - Zucchini, fresh, small, halved, hollowed, center* (wash zucchini under running water before cutting)
                                          • - - Beef, ground, 90% lean, fresh or frozen, thawed
                                          • ½ cup Taco seasoning, low-sodium
                                          • 1½ cups Water
                                          • 1½ cup + 1 Tbsp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat, shredded
                                          *See Marketing Guide

                                          Instructions
                                           

                                          • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
                                          • Preheat oven to 400 °F.
                                          • Spray steam table pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
                                            For 25 servings, use 1 full steam table pan
                                            (12" x 20" x 2½") and 1 half steam table pan (10⅜” x 12¾ x 2½“).
                                            For 50 servings, use 2 full steam table pans
                                            (12" x 20" x 2½").
                                          • Remove the ends from each zucchini. Cut in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, hollow out the inside of each zucchini half.
                                          • Place zucchini on the steam table pan, skin side down. Bake for 10 minutes. Heat to an internal temperature of 140 °F or higher for at least 15 seconds. Remove from the oven.
                                          • While zucchini is roasting in the oven, brown ground beef in skillet on medium-high heat. When beef is no longer pink, about 10–15 minutes, add taco seasoning and water. Stir. Cook for 5 minutes, or until taco seasoning and water have cooked into the beef. Remove from heat. Heat to 165 °F or higher for at least 15 seconds. Wash hands after touching uncooked ground beef.
                                            For 25 servings, use a large skillet.
                                            For 50 servings, use an extra-large skillet or tilt skillet.
                                          • Add cheese to seasoned beef. Stir.
                                          • Place ⅓ cup (1½ oz) taco meat in each zucchini boat.
                                          • Place zucchini boats in the oven. Bake for 7 minutes. Heat to an internal temperature of 140 °F or higher for at least 15 seconds.
                                          • Serve 1 zucchini boat. Serve immediately, or keep warm at 140 °F or higher.

                                          Nutrition INFORMATION

                                          Nutrition Facts
                                          Zucchini Boats USDA Recipe for Child Care Centers
                                          Amount Per Serving 1 Zucchini Boat
                                          Calories 111 Calories from Fat 54
                                          % Daily Value*
                                          Total Fat 6g9%
                                          Saturated Fat 2g13%
                                          Cholesterol 38mg13%
                                          Sodium 136mg6%
                                          Total Carbohydrates 2g1%
                                          Dietary Fiber 0g0%
                                          Total Sugars 3g3%
                                          Protein 13g26%
                                          Calcium 14mg1%
                                          Iron 1mg6%
                                          *
                                          *Marketing Guide
                                          25 Servings:

                                          Zucchini, fresh: 2 lb 13 oz

                                          50 Servings:

                                          Zucchini, fresh: 5 lb 10 oz

                                          Notes

                                          • Contains milk (cheddar cheese). Taco seasoning can be a hidden source of
                                            common allergens, which include milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish,
                                            soy, wheat, and sesame.
                                          • Serve a variety of foods during the week to balance out an occasional meal
                                            that may be higher in sodium or saturated fat.
                                          Yield / Volume
                                          25 Servings:

                                          Weight: 5 lb 1 oz

                                          Yield: 25 Zucchini Boats

                                          50 Servings:

                                          Weight: 10 lb 2 oz

                                          Yield: 50 Zucchini Boats