1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes/Dish:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar large casserole dish).
• Wash and thinly slice the potatoes to about ¼-inch thickness. Peeling is optional based on your preference. Set aside.

2. Cook the Beef and Aromatics:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.  
• Add the ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat very well.

3. Assemble the Casserole Layers:

• Layer 1 (Potatoes): Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish.
• Layer 2 (Beef): Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potato layer.
• Layer 3 (Cheddar): Sprinkle half (about 3/4 cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
• Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers once more with the remaining potatoes, remaining beef mixture, and remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese.

4. Add Liquids:

• Gently pour the beef broth (and optional milk, if using) evenly over the top of the layered casserole.

5. Bake Covered:

• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam to cook the potatoes.
• Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

6. Add Parmesan and Bake Uncovered:

• Carefully remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish (watch out for steam!). The potatoes should be mostly tender at this point.
• Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of cheddar cheese.
• Return the dish uncovered to the oven. Bake for 10 more minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

7. Rest, Garnish, and Serve:

• Let the Hobo Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set slightly, making serving easier.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
• Slice or scoop into portions and serve hot.