Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

In a large cast-iron or oven-proof skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces, stirring occasionally, until they are crisp.

Step 3

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon pieces to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 4

Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings from the skillet.

Step 5

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the onions to the remaining bacon drippings. Cook until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked onions to a new paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 7

Reduce the stovetop heat to medium.

Step 8

Add the flour to a shallow bowl and then add the pork cubes, tossing to coat them.

Step 9

Add the coated pork cubes to the skillet, in batches, and cook until they are browned. Add the canola oil, a little at a time, if the skillet becomes too dry.

Step 10

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned pork cubes to a new paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 11

Transfer the skillet from the heat and discard the drippings.

Step 12

Add the browned pork cubes, the cooked bacon pieces, the cooked onions, the apples, the sage, 1 teaspoon of the salt, the nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper to the skillet.

Step 13

Stir the cider and 1/2 cup of the water into the pork mixture.

Step 14

Cover the skillet with foil and bake the pork mixture until the pork is tender, about 2 hours.

Step 15

While the pork mixture is baking, in a large saucepan, add the potatoes and enough of the extra water to just cover them. Bring it to a boil.

Step 16

Reduce the heat and cook the potatoes, uncovered, until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 17

Transfer the pork mixture from the oven and switch the oven setting to broil.

Step 18

Drain the potatoes.

Step 19

Mash the potatoes, while gradually adding 3 tablespoons of the butter, the milk, the extra salt, and the extra pepper, until they reach the desired consistency.

Step 20

Spread the mashed potatoes over the pork mixture.

Step 21

Melt the remaining butter in the microwave, then brush it over the mashed potatoes.

Step 22

Broil the pie 6 inches away from the heat until the topping is browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 23

Serve.