Heterostructured ZnFe2O4–graphene nanocomposites are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The as-prepared ZnFe2O4–graphene nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis and galvanostatic charge and discharge measurements. Compared with the pure ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles, the ZnFe2O4–graphene nanocomposites exhibit much larger reversible capacity up to 980 mAh g−1, greatly improved cycling stability, and excellent rate capability. The superior electrochemical performance of the ZnFe2O4–graphene nanocomposites could be attributed to the synergetic effect between the conducting graphene nanosheets and the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles.