Zucchini Boats USDA Recipe for Child Care Centers

Age Group: Ages 3-5
Serving Size: 25-50
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
1 from 1 vote
Add to Cookbook https://theicn.org/cnrb/pdfs/CACFP_Lunch_Supper_Recipes(English)41-50/CACFP-Lunch-Supper-quantity-Zucchini-Boats-ages3-5.pdf

*You must be a registered user to use this feature, please click "Login" at the top right corner and then proceed

or
click here to create an account.

Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

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 Carbohydrate 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