Instructions

• **Prepare Your Baking Dish:** Preheat your oven to a welcoming 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures a clean release of your delicious casserole.
• **Brown the Pork Perfectly:** In a large, sturdy skillet, brown the ground pork over medium heat. As it cooks, break it apart with a spoon. Season generously with ½ teaspoon each of salt, pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Continue to cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pork is no longer pink and beautifully crumbly. Drain any excess grease to avoid a soggy casserole, then remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
• **Sauté Aromatics:** Using the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits add flavor!), melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and turned translucent and the garlic is fragrant – be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
• **Create a Roux:** Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the softened onion and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a 'roux,' which will be the base for our luscious, thick sauce.
• **Whisk in Liquids & Thicken Sauce:** Slowly and gradually whisk in the 1 cup of unsalted chicken broth, followed by the 1 cup of whole milk. Continue to whisk vigorously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, whisking often, until the sauce thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste, ensuring it's perfectly seasoned before layering.
• **First Layer of Goodness:** Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Overlap them slightly if needed to cover the base. Evenly spread half of the cooked, seasoned ground pork over the potato layer.
• **Sauce and Cheese Application:** Pour half of your wonderfully creamy, thickened sauce evenly over the pork and potatoes. Then, sprinkle ¾ cup of the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese over this layer. This creates a delicious melty stratum within the casserole.
• **Repeat the Layers:** Now, repeat the entire layering process! Add the remaining half of the sliced potatoes, followed by the rest of the seasoned ground pork. Pour the remaining half of the sauce over everything, and finally, sprinkle with the last ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
• **Optional Crispy Topping:** If you desire an extra golden, crispy finish, sprinkle the ½ cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the top layer of cheese. This adds a delightful textural contrast.
• **Bake to Perfection:** Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps the potatoes steam and become tender. Bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese topping (and breadcrumbs, if used) is beautifully golden brown.
• **Rest Before Serving:** Allow the casserole to rest uncovered for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly, making for neater portions. Enjoy your hearty homemade meal!