Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This takes about 10 minutes. Lightly coat a 9-inch round baking dish or oven-safe bowl with olive oil to prevent sticking. Your baking dish is ready when it glistens with a thin layer of oil.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups cottage cheese, 1 cup ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1 large egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir for 2–3 minutes until all ingredients are evenly combined and no streaks of cheese remain. Checkpoint: The mixture should look smooth, creamy, and consistent throughout.

Spread exactly half of the cheese mixture (about 2 cups) into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create an even layer that covers the bottom. This takes about 2 minutes. Your base layer should be uniform with no gaps. Checkpoint: The cheese layer should touch all sides of the dish evenly.

Spread 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly over the cheese base. Leave a 1/2-inch border of exposed cheese around the edges to help the mixture set. This takes 1–2 minutes. Checkpoint: The sauce should be an even red layer visible across the surface.

Top the sauce layer with 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, and 1/2 cup diced red onion, distributing them evenly. Scatter toppings to avoid piling them all in one spot. This takes 2 minutes. Checkpoint: Toppings should be spread across the entire surface.

Spread the remaining half of the cheese mixture (about 2 cups) over the topped layer, using a spatula to seal and cover all toppings. Work gently so toppings don't escape. This takes 2–3 minutes. Checkpoint: All toppings should be covered under the cheese layer; no sauce or toppings visible.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil across the entire top surface. Then sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. This takes 1 minute. Checkpoint: The top should have a generous, even cheese covering that looks ready to brown.

Place the baking dish in the preheated 375°F oven on the middle rack. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes. At 30 minutes, check the top; it should be turning golden brown with slight browning at the edges and small bubbles visible around the perimeter. Bake an additional 3–5 minutes if the top is still pale. Checkpoint: The top should be golden brown (not pale or dark), and you should see small bubbles around the edges.

Remove the dish from the oven using an oven mitt. Let it rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the mixture to set and makes scooping easier without falling apart. Checkpoint: The pizza bowl should feel warm to touch but not piping hot.

Tear 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves by hand and scatter across the top just before serving. Fresh basil adds brightness and authentic pizza flavor. Serve directly from the bowl in scoops, as you would a casserole. Checkpoint: The pizza bowl should scoop cleanly in portions, with the cheese base holding together.