This is a typical Brazilian recipe that originated in the southern Brazil when men would cross the plains in wagons carrying goods back and forth. Because they had no access to fresh foods, they would have made this rice dish with dried beef and pepperoni-style sausages, cooking it over their campfire during these long trips.
The original dish uses salted dried beef, commonly found in Brazil, which requires soaking overnight. You could use beef jerky instead in which case you would not need to soak it. You may need to season to taste with salt.