INGREDIENTS

12 - ounces ground pork
4 - slices bacon or uncured smoked bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces*
2 - cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 - teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
2 - 3 - tablespoons olive oil
8 - ounces dried orecchiette pasta
2 - small shallots, thinly sliced
3 - large tomatoes, coarsely chopped (2 cups)
4 - cups kale or spinach, coarsely chopped
1/4 - teaspoon salt
1/2 - cup shaved Parmesan (optional)

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl combine pork, bacon, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper until well mixed. Using a teaspoon, scoop the mixture into the palm of your hand and shape into 1-inch meatballs. Pieces of the bacon should be visible.

In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add half the meatballs. Cook and stir until meatballs are browned on all sides and the bacon is crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer meatballs to paper towel; drain. Repeat with remaining meatballs. Reserving 1 Tbsp. bacon drippings in the skillet; set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions in lightly salted water; drain. Reserving about 1/4 cup of cooking liquid.

Cook shallot in reserved bacon dripping, over medium-high heat, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan with wooden spoon to release the brown bits. Return meatballs to the skillet. Add tomatoes; cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add pasta and kale; toss to combine, adding pasta liquid as needed to moisten the pasta. Season with salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Top with Parmesan before serving.

FROM THE TEST KITCHEN
*
Extra thick bacon does not work with this recipe. It's too big for the mini meatballs and doesn't stay incorporated into the meatballs when cooking.

NUTRITION FACTS (Orecchiette with Bacon Meatballs)

Per serving: 673 kcal , 37 g fat (11 g sat. fat , 6 g polyunsaturated fat , 18 g monounsaturated fat ), 83 mg chol. , 490 mg sodium , 55 g carb. , 5 g fiber , 6 g sugar , 32 g pro.