A simple, efficient and cost-effective method for the synthesis of octahydroquinazolinone derivatives using dimedone, urea/thiourea and aromatic aldehydes using lanthanum oxide as a catalyst under solvent free condition in microwave irradiation is reported. The present method does not involve any hazardous organic solvents. This catalyst has promising features for the reaction response such as the shortest reaction time, excellent product yields, simple work-up procedure and purification of products by non-chromatographic methods.