Manganese monoxide nanoparticles adhered to mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbons (MnO-m-N-C) have been synthesized and their influence on cycle performance of nonaqueous lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries is investigated. It is found that the MnO-m-N-C composites promote both oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions. They lead to reduced charge overpotentials through early decomposition of the Li2O2 particles formed on discharge, especially at the limited depth of discharge during the initial several ten cycles. Such superior activity is attributed to the good coupling between the nanosized MnO particles and the conductive mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbons, which is helpful for improving kinetics of both charge and mass transport during the cathode reactions.