1-First Step: Prepare all ingredients. Begin by slicing the bacon into 2-inch pieces, chopping onions, peeling and chopping the tart apples, and cubing the boneless pork into 1-inch pieces. Peel and cube the potatoes for the mashed topping. Measure out flour, apple cider, water, butter, milk, and seasonings to streamline your cooking process.

2-Second Step: Cook the bacon and onions. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet. Use the reserved drippings to sauté the chopped onions until tender and translucent. Remove and set aside.

3-Third Step: Brown the pork. Toss the pork cubes with the all-purpose flour to coat evenly. In the skillet with reserved drippings, brown the coated pork in batches over medium-high heat, adding canola oil if necessary to prevent sticking. Remove the browned pork cubes and drain excess drippings, discarding any remaining fat.

4-Fourth Step: Combine filling ingredients and simmer. Return the browned pork to the skillet and add bacon, sautéed onions, chopped apples, rubbed sage, salt, ground nutmeg, and pepper. Stir gently to combine. Pour in the apple cider and water, stirring once more. Cover the skillet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until the pork is tender, approximately 2 hours.

5-Fifth Step: Prepare mashed potatoes. While the pork cooks, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well, then mash with 3 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup 2% milk. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, and adjust the milk to reach your preferred creamy consistency.

6-Sixth Step: Assemble and finish the pie. Once the pork mixture is tender, remove the skillet from the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, creating a smooth layer. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush over the mashed potato topping.

7-Final Step: Broil the topping and serve. Place the skillet under a broiler 6 inches from the heat source for about 5 minutes or until the mashed potato topping turns golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven and garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired. Let cool briefly before serving to allow the filling to set.