Heat oven to 350f and use 1 T to butter the base of a 9x13 baking dish. In a large sauté pan combine the remaining butter with the onion 2-3 minutes then add the apple and garlic in to cook, stirring occasionally for another 7 minutes.
Pour the stuffing mix in the baking dish first evenly layered. Top with the sautéed mixture and add the minced thyme. Stir everything together to combine. Lastly pour the hot water in carefully all around, mix one more time for good measure.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. About 30 minutes in take off the foil and let it brown on top. Watch the last 10 minutes - cook to your liking, oven's vary!