Classic Red Beans N Rice

Place beans in a large saucepan; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and discard liquid. Add 2 qts. water, ham hock, bay leaves and onion powder to the beans. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. In a skillet, cook beef, onion, garlic, salt and pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add to bean mixture. Simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. Discard bay leaves. Remove ham hock. Remove ham from bones; cut into bite-size pieces and return to broth. Serve over rice.