Drain. Add 6 cups water, ham hock, onion, and garlic; boil 10 minutes. Cook ground beef, drain well. Add beef, chopped parsley, red pepper, salt and bay leaves; discard the fat, bone, and bay leaves.

Shred ham, and return to bean mixture. Cook rice according to package directions. Serve beans over rice. May garnish with parsley sprigs.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Submitted by: Karen LaValley